Reverend Gerald Douglas was the minister of Hale Chapel who had agreed to bless Sophie Webster and Sian Powers' partnership in his church, and didn't mind the fact they were lesbians as long as they were committed to their "marriage". Sophie was unable to complete her vows to Sian at the ceremony as she began to have second thoughts. This caused Sian to flee the church in distress, with Sophie leaving as well. The blessing never went ahead as Sian broke off with Sophie and left Weatherfield soon afterwards.