Coronation Street star Jude Riordan has received support from his co-stars after sharing some sad family news. The actor, who plays Sam Blakeman on the ITV soap, revealed on Instagram that he has had to say goodbye to his beloved dog Ruby.
Posting a reel of photographs with the Spaniel, who had been a part of his life since he was little, Jude explained that despite her being near the end recently, her passing still came as a “shock”.
“I didn’t expect to say goodbye to her,” he wrote. “Even though she was at end of life stage it was still a big shock.
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“Yesterday we had to say goodbye to Ruby,” Jude continued. “I held her little face right until the end. Loosing a dog is so painful. She was a sweet girl and we will miss her forever.
“I hope her tired legs are strong again running over rainbow bridge #mygirl #ruby #kingcharlescavalier #petloss #stargirl.”
Among those sharing their support were fellow Corrie actors including Cait Fitton (Lauren Bolton), who said she was “sending love”.
“So sorry for your loss darling, hope you’re all okay xx,” added Hope Dobbs star Bella Flanagan, while Rachel Leskovac – who portrayed his late on-screen mum Natasha – shared: “Awww sending love and hugs to you buddy.”
ITV
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Beth Nixon, who portrays Sam’s on-screen nemesis Megan Walsh, said: “Oh Jude, I can tell she had an amazing life even just from these photos, sending you and your family so much love.”
Meanwhile, Hollyoaks star Alex Fletcher (Diane Hutchinson) said: “Ah I’m so sorry to hear this sending lots of love xxxx”, while fellow star Isabelle Smith (Frankie Osborne) shared: “So sorry for your loss, sending lots of love.”
Jude’s character is currently in the middle of a dark storyline as he attempts to expose villain Megan’s grooming of teenage boys, though he has turned to drugs as Megan attempts to ruin his reputation.
Meanwhile, back in January Jude closed down theories that his character could be exiting Corrie after sharing some new acting headshots on social media.
Coronation Street airs on weeknights at 8.30pm on ITV1 and streams on ITVX.
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