Jude Riordan's real life and fictional life as Sam Blakeman on Coronation Street came together as his actual dad joined him at work. The young actor, who is known for playing Nick Tilsley's son in the ITV soap, took to Instagram with a series of snaps after revealing he went into work ill.
The young soap star, who often wins praise for his portrayal of Sam, said he couldn't let a lingering virus keep him away from the Salford-based set as his dad, Paul Riordan, was working on some scenes for the soap which involved his son and his on-screen family.
Earlier this year fans were surprised to discover that the soap star's dad was pretty famous for his work behind-the-scenes on many much-loved show. Paul has forged a successful career in show business as a television director. He broke through in a behind-the-scenes role in Hollyoaks before he went on to earn directing credits for popular soaps such as Emmerdale and Casualty.
Sharing a photo of himself throwing his arms around his dad while dressed in Sam's school unifrm in Nick and Leanne Battersby's flat on the soap's set, Jude said: "When you haven't been well but can't miss your first Corrie scene directed by yer Dad @paulrio27."
He also shared a photo of himself and Paul in action alongside Ben Price, who plays Nick, and Jane Danson, who portrayed Leanne. And a third image showed the father and son sitting alongside his soap mum and dad. Jude also cheekily added in a hashtag: "Ben always has his eyes closed."
Alex Fletcher, who plays Dianne Hutchinson in Hollyoaks, was among the first to comment, writing: "Love that," while her former Channel 4 soap co-star Billy Price, who played Hollyoaks' Sid Sumner, simply added a string of crown emojis in the comments section.
While fans were pleased to see Jude working with his dad, others were concerned and sent him their well wishes. @laurieinqueens said: "What's up, little dude? Hope you feel better soon!" @emilythedancer_24 commented: "Awww I hope you’re feeling better."
@italktelly wrote: "Oh wow! Love this. Hope you get better soon Jude." @bromkatm posted: "Get well soon young man!...keep up the brilliant acting!. Well done dad!!" @lawc59 added: "Get well soon my wee man. You are brilliant."
Others, meanwhile, couldn't help but think Paul looked like Ben. @carolehumphris said: "He looks like Nicks brother." @janes601 commented: "Your dad is the double of your corrie dad ..wow." @ashlynnnoxo wrote: "He actually looks like nick! That’s mental. Great acting lad." @yanvey67 added: "Omg how much does your dad and nick look alike!"
Jude actually got to work with his dad for the first time over the summer. He looked proud as punch as he posed for a snap alongside Paul and former Casualty actor Michael Stevenson. "And that's a WRAP on my first short film Something Missing," the Corrie star shared with his thousands of Instagram followers.
"I can't wait to see this finished film! 4 long days to get it all in. Had the best time with the best team! First project w my Dad @paulrio27 and first project w @michaeltstevenson ... Would I do another YES." He went on to explain: "This is a story very close to our hearts. A young carer Sean looking after his Mum Suzanne with early onset Dementia a story that is life for many young carers and needs to be told."
Jude, who hails from St Helens, Merseyside, ended his post: "Proud to be ambassador for St Helens Young Carers @sth.yc and hopefully we will raise awareness of how important their roles are and how important it is to get the care and support. I can't wait for you all to see it."
READ NEXT:
- ITV Coronation Street fans baffled by Hope scenes as they're left with key question
- ITV Coronation Street fans make same remark as they 'missing' character makes sudden return
- BBC Strictly fans make the same point as Will Mellor returns to ITV Corrie
- Former ITV Corrie star's glam look gets two word response from on-screen daughter Millie Gibson as she looks so different at charity ball
- ITV Coronation Street's Tina O'Brien 'in love' with co-star Sair Khan as she stuns in Barbie pink
