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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Entertainment
Emma Wilson Showbiz Reporter & Cathal Ryan

Coronation Street star Jude Riordan shares touching message to Emmerdale director dad

Young soap star Jude Riordan has shared a heartwarming message to his Emmerdale director dad Paul.

The 12-year-old Coronation Street actor is a big favourite among fans of the popular show all owing to his portrayal of Sam Blakeman.

His dad, Paul Riordan, however, is best known for directing, and starring in, several episodes of Emmerdale, as well as episodes of the Weatherfield-based soap.

READ MORE: Coronation Street's first Tracy Barlow quit acting for a different 'rewarding' career

While the star is too young to have his own social media account, he used his mother's to post a touching message for his celeb dad on her Instagram channel.

As well as two lovely images of the pair, Jude said his dad Paul was “the best”.

“HFD to all, especially the best @paulrio27 #happyfathersday #thebest,” the caption read.

Fans of the young star flocked to the comments to praise young Jude for his sweet message.

One commented: “Have a lovely day with your Dad, Jude. Hope you've been spoiling him."

Another person wrote: “Great photos... Have a lovely day with your dad."

“Beautiful photos. Hope your dad has a great day,” one more follower added.

The Corrie actor has gained acclaim for his portrayal of grieving Sam. The star brought viewers to tears as he dealt with the tragic loss of his on-screen mum Natasha, who was gunned down by Harvey Gaskell.

The star even broke records in 2021 when he scooped the National Television Award for Best Newcomer. Jude was the youngest actor ever to win in the history of the ceremony.

Jude’s character has been involved in some pretty dramatic storylines, such as sending secret letters to his mum’s killer in prison. Now the teenager is set to become involved in a relationship with Hope Stape, daughter of Corrie icon Fiz and killer John Stape.

His father Paul was also a regular behind the camera, working on Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks early on in his TV career before landing directing gigs on Emmerdale, Casualty and Coronation Street.

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