Coronation Street star Jude Riordan has been showered with supportive messages as he shared a heartfelt 'thank you' to viewers and fans. The actor, who is known for playing Sam Blakeman in the ITV soap, got some good news this week which he was delighted to share on social media - and it came with a little request.
The young soap star found out that he had made the longlist for this year's British Soap Awards. The full list of nominations for the annual ceremony were released this week with Coronation Street, EastEnders and Emmerdale are among the soaps battling it out for the top prize.
As usual, fans can vote for their favourites in the Best Leading Performer and Best British Soap categories. But for the first time since 2014, the Best Villain category has been returned to a public vote after being judged by a panel since 2015 and the Best Young Performer winner has also switched back to being chosen by the public.
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And Jude has been nominated in the Best Young Performer category. He is up against Lillia Turner, who plays Lily Slater in EastEnders, Huey Quinn, who portrays Kyle Winchester in Emmerdale and Jayden Fox, who starred as Bobby Costello in Hollyoaks before his very recent exit.
Taking to Instagram after the longlist for the British Soap Awards 2023 was revealed, Jude posted a picture of himself mid-salute outside the iconic Rovers Return. "Playing Sam Blakeman is a JOY!" the 11-year-old started the caption of his post. "If you agree you can vote for me for Best Young Performer at the British Soap Awards (OMG)."
He added: "Can you believe it! What a brilliant category. Thanks for always supporting me. Link is in my stories and bio. Best team." Former on-screen mum Rachel Leskovac, who played Corrie's Natasha Blakeman, quickly commented: "Superstar," while Jack James Ryan, who left the soap as Jacob Hay earlier this year, replied: "You’ve got my vote."
And fans were also showing their support. @abbiethompson00 said: "Voted for you, good luck." @agneskennington commented: "I voted for you Jude. You're the best little actor ever! Hope you win!!" @hollatme91 wrote: "I voted for you yesterday Jude, what a fantastic actor you are! Wishing you the best of luck."
@katecgk replied: "Voted.. you definitely deserve my vote good luck young man." @carole.harmon posted: "You get my vote every time." @cbear19 shared: "Definitely got my vote young man. You deserve it!" @linz_robo added: "I've voted for you, you truly deserve to win this, you are so talented and a wonderful actor."
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