HUNDREDS of Star readers have expressed their congratulations to St Helens youngster Jude Riordan after he was crowned Best Newcomer at the National Television Awards.

Jude was among five nominees shortlisted for the prize, screened on ITV on Thursday night.

The youngster, wearing black tie, marched up to the stage where he was lifted up to the microphone by host Joel Dommett.

Jude at the awards on Thursday

Jude at the awards on Thursday

Jude said: “Oh my word, this is amazing - I would just like to thank all my fans for voting for me.”

Jude has thrilled audiences since he landed a coveted role in the ITV soap.

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His character Sam Blakeman, the long lost son of Nick Tilsley, has been at the forefront of some explosive storylines this year, including a dramatic kidnap plot.

Jude, from Lea Green, first hit TV screens in 2017 after starring in The Secret Life of Five Year Olds on Channel 4.

Since then, the St John Vianney pupil – who was a guest at the recent crown green bowling challenge organised by the Steve Prescott Foundation – has gone on to appear in CBBC programmes and several adverts.

In 2018 he landed the coveted role as Tyler in Sky One’s Brassic alongside former Corrie star Michelle Keegan and Vince Gilligan and is due to begin filming on the latest series of the successful show.

Jude

Jude

Among the many messages of congratulations that were posted on the Star's social media platforms was one from Carol Howard, which said: "It's well deserved.

"He has created a very special and likeable character who lights up the screen".

Anne Starkie added: "Well deserved such a natural little actor x"

Meanwhile, Susan Patient said: "Absolutely love him brilliant actor x 💗👍 Well done x"

Natalie Bridge wrote: "Yay!!!!! He is so talented and deserves this so much xxxx"

Marilyn Cairns added: "Well done and well deserved Jude. I think you're an amazing actor. So happy for you ❤️ xx"

And Su Graham said: "Fantastic what a great little lad he is - he will go far as he is a natural".