Coronation Street fans were left shooketh by the glow-up of child star Jude Riordan, who plays Sam Blakeman on the iconic soap opera. The 13-year-old actor, who has been embodying the role of Sam since October 2020, has been MIA from our TV screens lately. But fear not, for Jude recently blessed us with a series of professional headshots on Instagram, showcasing his transformation that had fans losing their minds.
In the snapshots, Jude served serious looks, captioning the post with “HEADSHOTS 2025.” Fans flooded the comments section, expressing their shock at how much he has matured. One fan even exclaimed, “Oh, you’re growing up so much, Jude.” Another fan mourned the loss of “our little Sam,” while others were straight-up confused, asking, “Who are you? What have you done to the kid?” It’s safe to say that Jude’s transformation left fans both impressed and a tad nostalgic for the days of little Sam.
As fans continue to gush over Jude’s evolution, one supporter praised his acting chops, predicting a long and successful career ahead. Another fan couldn’t help but feel a bit ancient, remarking, “You look like a teenager now… I feel old, having watched you in A Secret Life of Four-Year-Olds.” The struggle of seeing a child star grow up is real, folks.
Jude didn’t shy away from addressing the age-related comments, poking fun at himself by stating, “Lots of messages saying how old I look and how old I am now. I know Sam has been missing off screen for about 34 years, but I will be 14 in a few weeks.” A good sense of humor never hurt anyone, right?
While Jude has captured hearts as Sam on Coronation Street, his acting journey extends beyond the cobbles. He first caught the spotlight in 2017 with a role in Channel 4’s documentary The Secret Life of 4, 5, and 6 Year Olds. From there, he ventured into other projects, including portraying Little Phil in Katy and taking on the role of Tyler Croft in Sky’s Brassic from 2019 to 2024. Jude’s versatility as an actor is evident in his diverse range of roles outside of the soap opera realm.
With Jude’s character, Sam, being part of various emotional storylines on Coronation Street, fans have witnessed the young actor’s talent in navigating complex narratives. From meeting his real father at nine years old to grappling with the loss of his mother Natasha, Jude has portrayed Sam’s journey with depth and authenticity.
As Coronation Street continues to captivate audiences three times a week, Jude’s portrayal of Sam remains a highlight for fans of the long-running soap opera. While his recent transformation may have caught us off guard, one thing is for sure – Jude Riordan is a rising star to watch in the world of entertainment. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride as we witness the evolution of Jude and his character, Sam, on our screens.
