A Coronation Street actor was flooded with fan reactions after sharing a new update on social media.
Coronation Street actor Jude Riordan has had to reassure fans that he has “not been recast” after viewers were shocked by his changed appearance following a break from the cobbles.
Fans of the Manchester-based soap will recognise Jude as Sam Blakeman, who joined the ITV drama in 2020 as Nick Tilsley’s son and the child of the late Natasha Blakeman.
Jude, who also stars as Tyler Croft in Sky Comedy’s Brassic, caused a big stir when he arrived on the show and went on to win Best Newcomer at the National Television Awards in 2021.
The young actor has now revealed that his time on the cobbles has come to an end for 2025, having finished filming ahead of the show’s Christmas break.
Sharing the update on Instagram, Jude posted a series of photos from the Trafford Studios, including one with co-star Jane Hazlegrove, who plays Bernie Winter.
In the caption, Jude wrote: “And that’s a Christmas wrap on 2025 Corrie. It’s always a good week when you have scenes with Bernie! Loads of exciting stuff coming in 2026. Stay tuned.”
However, as comments quickly flooded in, Jude later updated the post to clarify: “EDIT – I’m still Sam, it’s not a recast,” adding a laughing emoji, after many fans expressed surprise at how much he had grown.
One follower, @paulalunt58, commented: “Wow, how grown up.”
Another joked: “Has someone at Corrie been watering Jude between takes? When did that growth spurt happen? Merry Christmas, big chap.”
Others shared similar reactions, with one writing: “Wow, looking so grown up and tall! Have a great Christmas,” while another added: “You look so grown up now.”
This comes after Jude recently shared a nostalgic look back at his time on Brassic, the Sky Comedy series that wrapped up following its seventh and final season, according to the Manchester Evening News.
Jude played Tyler, the on-screen son of Michelle Keegan’s character, Erin, with Michelle herself a former Coronation Street star.
Taking to Instagram, Jude posted a series of photos featuring himself alongside Michelle and co-star Joseph “Joe” Gilgun, who also co-created the show.
In his caption, Jude wrote: “I like the funny dog, it’s an owl. Kick him! I can remember every day I did on Brassic. However much fun you think it was, multiply it by ten!”
He continued by reflecting fondly on the experience, saying he “grew up with the greats,” joking about how young Joe looked at the time. Jude recalled everything from running lines at the Liverpool docks in various accents, to long drives to France, great bacon sandwiches, crew dogs, and simply spending time with some of the funniest people around — describing his Brassic days as “really good times.”
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