Coronation Street has revealed an interesting behind-the-scenes change as Sam Blakeman takes centre stage in one of his biggest storylines yet. The young character’s psychosis story will reach a dramatic point next week.
And actor Ben Price has now shared how the soap changed its approach on set by giving Jude Riordan more freedom and responsibility in shaping Sam’s journey. Scroll down for more info!
Jude Riordan Was Given More Control Over The Story
Next week’s episodes will see Sam struggling with psychosis as he locks himself and Roy Cropper inside Roy’s Rolls. Outside, Nick Tilsley, Leanne Battersby, and Toyah Battersby desperately try to get through to him before the situation becomes even more serious.
While discussing the storyline, Ben Price revealed that Coronation Street encouraged Jude Riordan to take a bigger role in developing both the character and the performance. As Sam’s story became more mature and emotional, the focus shifted more towards Riordan leading the scenes.
Price explained: “It’s very tricky in the show to go from a child actor to, you know, your voice breaks, you get bigger, and you’re given a story which brilliantly bridges the child-to-adult story. Which you’re carrying.”
He also shared that he and Riordan spent a lot of time discussing scenes together. “We did talk about it a lot. We’re quite close in a very work way. We’re very good at sitting down and going, ‘What do they need from the scene?'”
Ben Price Opens Up About The On-Set Change In Coronation Street
Price said there was a moment when he realised that Sam’s story needed to be driven by Riordan himself. Looking back on an early emotional scene, he said: “I remember we did an early scene where he lost it, and I said, ‘I think we go for this. I think we really go for it, because I think you’re leading this now’. When he was younger, I would probably be more of the driving force, but I said, ‘I think you are now. This is your story.'”
The actor explained that this was a big change from earlier years when Sam was younger. Now that the character is dealing with more complex issues, Riordan has taken on much more responsibility in bringing those moments to life on screen.
Price admitted that it was not easy at first. He described the opportunity as both “a real privilege” and a “pressure” for the young actor. He also revealed that Riordan faced a “really big hump” in the early stages of filming. But he quickly found his confidence.
Fans will soon see the results on screen as Sam’s emotional journey reaches some of its most powerful moments yet. Stay tuned to Soap Opera Daily for more Coronation Street spoilers and behind-the-scenes updates.