Coronation Street star Jude Riordan had fans rushing to support him as he shared some tragic death news. The young actor, best known for playing Sam Blakeman on the ITV soap, posted a series of throwback snaps to Instagram showing him growing up alongside his beloved dog Ruby, who has sadly died.

Jude explained: “I didn’t expect to say goodbye to her. Even though she was at end of life stage it was still a big shock. Yesterday we had to say goodbye to Ruby. I held her little face right until the end. Losing 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 the rainbow bridge,” he concluded.

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Jude shared a string of sweet childhood snaps of him cuddling the King Charles Cavalier, playing with her at the beach and with her sitting on his lap in the car.

His co-stars rushed to the comments section to wish Jude the best, with Cait Fitton – who plays Lauren Bolton on the soap – writing: “Sending love Jude.”

Will Flanagan, best known for playing Joseph Brown on the cobbles, echoed: “So sorry for your loss mate, hope you’re okay.”

And his sister Bella Flanagan, who plays Hope Stape, said: “So sorry for your loss darling, hope you’re all okay.”

Jude later reached out to thank fans, writing: “Thank you all so much for your comments and messages. I wish dogs could live forever.”

Jude has made headlines in recent months for his unrecognisable appearance in the soap, with fans saying he has “grown up so quickly”. The actor is currently 14 years old and is set to turn 15 in May – and had to confirm he has not been recast after fans said he looked and sounded totally different to his younger self.