Sam Blakeman's Troubling Request in Coronation Street
Sam Blakeman, played by Jude Riordan, risks his recovery in Coronation Street after asking his father Nick Tilsley (Ben Price) for permission to see Megan Walsh (Beth Nixon) at her trial. The young boy has been in a mental health unit following a psychosis breakdown, and this request could undo his progress.
Sam has been experiencing hallucinations of Roy Cropper (David Neilson) and earlier of Will Driscoll (Lucas Hodgson-Wale), believing Will was out to get him after Sam exposed the abuse Will suffered at Megan's hands. Megan, a local school teacher, had been manipulating Sam to keep quiet, leading to a crisis point in early June.
Psychosis and Schizophrenia Diagnosis
After an incident in the cafe involving the real Roy and Sam's hallucination, Sam fled the cobbles and hid at the precinct. He was found by Carla Connor-Swain (Alison King), who recognized the signs of psychosis from her own experience. Carla called Nick, who drove Sam to the hospital, where he was sectioned and later diagnosed with schizophrenia.
Sam has made significant progress, and in upcoming episodes, Nick and Toyah Battersby (Georgia Taylor) learn that he may be discharged by the end of the week. However, Sam reveals he wants to attend Megan's trial, believing it might help him move on, but Nick worries about the impact on his son.
Trial Concerns and Potential Revenge Fears
As Megan's trial approaches, Sam becomes anxious about the outcome. He fears she will be found not guilty and come after him for revenge. This raises the question: will Nick allow Sam to attend court amidst these fears?
Ben Price praised Jude Riordan's performance, stating, 'Selfishly, I want him to be brilliant, and he is brilliant. When you’re with someone who’s discovering that power as an actor, in an adult story, it’s really amazing to watch.' He added that Jude has 'a bit of a Platt about him' and that the story 'brilliantly bridges the child-to-adult story.'
The article was originally published on June 24, 2026.
