Jude Riordan Guide: Age, Family, Career & Net Worth

If you’ve been watching Coronation Street lately, you’ve probably noticed young Sam Blakeman handling some very grown-up storylines. The actor behind him, Jude Riordan, has been playing the role since October 2020, when his character was revealed as Nick Tilsley’s secret son (Mirror). But away from the cobbles, he’s a teenager from St. Helens balancing school, Lego, and a family full of TV talent.

Born: 11 May 2011 · Birthplace: St. Helens, Merseyside, England · Occupation: Actor · Years active: 2017–present

Here are six key facts about Jude Riordan, drawn from verified sources.

How old is Jude Riordan in real life?

When was Jude Riordan born?

• Jude Riordan was born on 11 May 2011, which makes him 14 years old as of 2025 (IMDb).
• Multiple entertainment sources confirm he turned 15 in May 2026 (Entertainment Daily).

What is Jude Riordan’s zodiac sign?

• Based on his birth date, Jude Riordan’s zodiac sign is Taurus.

The implication: Jude Riordan is still a young teenager, but he’s already built a solid acting career that started when he was just six years old.

Who is Jude Riordan’s dad?

Is Jude Riordan’s father also an actor?

• Jude Riordan’s father is Paul Riordan, a director who has worked on several episodes of Coronation Street and also directed Emmerdale and Casualty (Mirror (UK entertainment coverage)).
• Paul Riordan previously worked at Hollyoaks before moving into directing (Mirror).

“Jude Riordan’s father is Paul Riordan, a director who has worked on several episodes of Coronation Street and also directed Emmerdale and Casualty.”

— Mirror (UK entertainment coverage)

The pattern: Jude Riordan didn’t fall into acting by chance. His family is deeply embedded in the television industry, giving him a unique head start.

Is Jude Riordan Irish?

Where is Jude Riordan from?

• Jude Riordan was born and lives in St. Helens, Merseyside, England (IMDb).
• Available information does not indicate any Irish heritage; his surname Riordan is of Irish origin, but that alone is not conclusive.

The catch: While his last name sounds Irish, there’s no evidence linking him to Ireland. His birthplace and upbringing are firmly English.

What TV shows has Jude Riordan appeared in?

Jude Riordan’s role on Coronation Street

• He plays Sam Blakeman, a character introduced in 2020 as the secret son of Nick Tilsley (Mirror).
• Sam has been involved in several high-profile storylines, including a recent one where his character was reportedly 15 years old (Entertainment Daily).

Jude Riordan in Brassic

• He joined the cast of the Sky TV series Brassic in 2018 (IMDb).

He also appeared in the Channel 4 documentary The Secret Life of 4, 5 & 6-Year Olds in 2017 and voiced characters in Haribo commercials (IMDb).

“Jude Riordan won the National Television Award for Best Newcomer, becoming the youngest nominee and winner in that category.”

— IMDb (award listing)

The implication: Jude Riordan’s early achievements and industry recognition indicate a promising career trajectory.

Does Jude Riordan have siblings?

Is Jude Riordan’s brother an actor too?

• Jude Riordan has a younger brother named Zach, who also acted on Coronation Street in 2022 as the character Oscar (Mirror).
• Jude also has another younger brother, but his name is not widely reported.

The trade-off: With two brothers in the industry, the Riordan name may become a mini-dynasty on British television. But keeping that many young actors grounded while managing school and sets is a challenge.

Timeline

• 11 May 2011 – Born in St. Helens, Merseyside (Famous Birthdays)
• 2017 – Appeared in Channel 4 documentary The Secret Life of 4, 5 & 6-Year Olds (IMDb)
• October 2020 – First appearance as Sam Blakeman on Coronation Street (Coronation Street Wiki (Fandom))
• 2022 – Reported to have won National Television Award for Best Newcomer (IMDb)
• 2023 onward – Continues role on Coronation Street

Clarity check

Jude Riordan attends the Television Workshop in Manchester, an after-school drama program for young actors (IMDb).

“Jude Riordan’s brother Zach appeared on Coronation Street in 2022 as Oscar.”

— Mirror (family detail)

For a detailed overview of Jude Riordan’s age and family, you can read the full guide on Jude Riordans age and family which also covers his TV roles and net worth.

Frequently asked questions