Coronation Street star Jude Riordan delighted fans as he made his way back onto the cobbles. The young actor, who plays Sam Blakeman in the ITV soap, hasn't been seen on-screen as much as usual.
Jude, 11, has had a busy summer after taking his SATs (Standard Assessment Tests), at school before heading off on a sunshine break in Greece with his family. But he has spent some time at the Salford-based set and during Friday night's trip to the cobbles, viewers saw Sam undergoing a big change.
The son of Nick Tilsley and Natasha Blakeman, who made his Weatherfield debut in 2020, was seen heading off for his first day a secondary school alongside friend and neighbour Hope Stape, played by Isabella Flanagan.
Viewers watched as a proud Nick got a photo on the street with his son in his Weatherfield High uniform before Tyrone Dobbs offered him a lift to the school. Sam, however, seemed hesitant as he kept looking towards to postbox at the end of the road. Hope didn't take her eyes off him and he eventually caved and took up Tyrone's offer.
Later, returning home, Hope asked Sam to stay for tea but the youngster claimed he needed to go and see his dad who had been texting him to no avail. "I think he thinks I'm dead," he joked before heading off. He then took a letter out of his sachel and posted it into the red postbox outside Dev's corner shop.
But as he peered inside, Hope caught him and later confronted him on what he was up to. He refused to give any details and when she threatened to tell Nick, he told Hope that he'd tell Tyrone and her mum Fiz that she's speaking to someone online. They both agreed to stay quiet before Nick brought an end to their walkie-talkie exchange.
And Corrie fans have been taking to Twitter to speculate on who Sam could be trying to contact. @mishybabez_ tweeted: "Who is sam sending a letter to? I think Harvey for some reason #Corrie." But @hollycarruthers said: "Aw is Sam sending his mam a letter #corrie," despite her death in upsetting scenes last year. While @Kaclynn67 suggested: "I wonder if Sam is in contact with someone from Natasha’s family and that is who he’s mailing a letter to. Maybe a sibling of Natasha’s is on there way to the cobbles #Corrie."
Following the episode, Jude took to Instagram to share a behind-the-scenes snap of himself in his character's school uniform alongside Isabella. "Sam & Hope start Weatherfield High," he captioned the photo of the pair posing for the camera.
And the comments soon came rolling in as fans were pleased to see Sam back on-screen. @anne_connors1101 said: "Brilliant to see you back Jude." @anneirajones echoed: "Great to c u back on telly." @laurieinqueens commented: "Was so good to see you onscreen again!"
@jane.baker wrote: "Fantastic to see you back and great photo." @molloy2298 praised: "You two are fantastic young actors." @bowers_elizabeth shared: "Great to see you two back and looking so smart in your high school uniforms." @julie_w58 added: "Two very talented youngsters there!! Hope you both enjoy ‘Wethy High’."
Jude had addressed his absence from the soap last week. Jude's mum regularly helps keep the young star's Instagram followers informed of what the Corrie and Brassic actor is up to. "I know you haven't seen Sam for ages, but that's how it goes sometimes," he explained
"Lots of q's asking when Sam is back. He has popped up a few times over last few weeks but is back again in September for his back to school and lots of other things." He also shared a series of images from his recent trip to Rhodes with his mum, dad and older brother. He said: "2 days off then busy busy and the start of high school ahead." He then added: "THE BEER IS OBVIOUSLY MY DADS," referring to a snap of him holding up a pint of the alcoholic beverage.
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