‘Coronation Street’ has cast youngster Jude Roirdan as Nick Tilsley’s long lost son.
The nine-year-old actor – who has already appeared in ‘Brassic’ and a number of CBBC shows after debuting in Channel 4’s ‘Secret Life of 5 Year Olds’ in 2017 – is set to play Sam Blakeman, the son of Ben Price’s alter ego.
Jude’s mum Kellie told the St. Helen’s Star newspaper: "Jude was invited to attend a casting back in February. He was then invited back for a screen test with Ben Price.
"Then obviously lockdown happened so things went very quiet. We heard back in June/July that he’d been offered the role.
"Jude was over the moon. He loves to act and feels very comfortable on set and in that environment."
His character Sam’s arrival on the cobbles is part of an ongoing storyline for Nick, who didn’t know he had a child with ex Natasha (Rachel Leskovac) until recently.
Ben’s character will have to make big decisions about his involvement in his boy’s life, as well as supporting partner Leanne Battersby (Jane Danson) while she deals with her own son Oliver’s illness.
Jude’s mum admitted her son has been having a lot of fun researching for his new role, and his parents are "incredibly proud" of his success at such a young age.
Kellie added: "Sam loves all things space, so Jude is loving learning about the Nebula Cluster. So to be able to do his passion as a regular role on one of Britain’s best soaps is incredible.
"We are incredibly proud of his achievements, he’s only nine and seems to have found his love.
"Cast and crew are lovely and very welcoming, he’s fitted in very well. We think he will love his time on the cobbles."