Jude Riordan: ‘Winning an honour from your hometown is extra special’

And although he has a bunch of national accolades, the rising star says this honour has an extra dimension.

The Coronation Street actor was not able to be at the Pride of St Helens awards night on Friday due to illness, but his aunt accepted it on his behalf.

However, in a video, the 10-year-old sent a message to all those in attendance.

In the video played at the awards ceremony, he said that being recognised by his hometown is extra special.

Jude said: “I’m sorry I couldn’t be with you tonight – I hope you are all having a wonderful evening. Thank you the Pride of St Helens for giving me this lovely award.

“It’s always good winning an award but it’s even better when it’s your hometown.”

The St John Vianney pupil has been no stranger to accolades and has won Best Newcomer gongs at the National Television Awards and Inside Soap Awards this year.

Jude has played the role of Sam Blakeman since last year, the long lost son of Nick Tilsley, in the ITV soap. Jude’s character has been at the forefront of some big storylines since he arrived on ‘the cobbles’, including a dramatic kidnap plot.

The youngster has also more recently brought tears to viewers’ eyes with his poignant portrayals following the death of Sam’s on-screen mum, as his character dealt with the heartbreak.

Jude's aunt collected the award on his behalf 

Jude, from Lea Green, first hit our TV screens in 2017 after starring in The Secret Life of Five Year Old’s on Channel 4. The latest actor from the town to make his mark on the screen, he has also been a part of hit Sky One show Brassic, which has seen a third series released this year as he reprised his role as Tyler.

Highly commended were MD Creatives Miguel Doforo and Cath Shea/the St Helens Arts Service.