Producers of the TV soap thought the baptism pool at Chorlton Central Baptist and United Reformed Church (URC) was just right for the on-screen baptism of Sophie Webster.

Sophie, a teenage character played by actress Brooke Vincent, resolved to live a Christian life earlier this year, renouncing her previously rebellious behaviour.

Chorlton’s minister, the Rev Sarah Brewerton, said she was delighted the church had provided the facilities.

“This is the first time I’ve seen an adult baptism being portrayed in a soap,” she said.

“I think that’s a really interesting development.

“It shows something of someone’s faith journey perhaps more than the other rites.

“It’ll help us to talk about adult baptism,” she added. “And it’s been a really good use of the building for a community TV show.”

The church, which has both a URC and Baptist congregation, has had a baptism pool since it was refurbished in 1975.