The following is a list of characters that first appeared in the ITV soap opera Coronation Street in 1999, by order of first appearance. Ian Bentley Ian Bentley, played by Jonathan Guy Lewis, first appeared on 29 January 1999. He is introduced as the fiancé of Sharon Gaskell (Tracie Bennett). Ian begins an affair with the recently widowed Natalie Barnes (Denise Welch). Sharon discovers the affair, but intends to marry Ian regardless, dismissing the affair as one last fling. However, during the service, Sharon calls Ian a liar and jilts him. Months later, after Sharon attempts suicide, she calls Ian and the pair decide to reconcile their relationship. When Sharon returns in 2021, she reveals to Rita Tanner (Barbara Knox) that she and Ian have since parted ways due to Ian's infidelity. Jessica Lundy Reverend Jessica Lundy, portrayed by Olwen May, was a pastor who was best known for wedding Hayley Patterson (Julie Hesmondhalgh) and Roy Cropper (David Neilson), despite it being illegal due to Hayley being transsexual. Even Les Battersby (Bruce Jones) almost made the wedding a failure as he ran into the church and protested. Jessica next appeared as the pastor to christen baby Bethany Platt (Amy and Emily Walton); Hayley and Bethany's teenage mother Sarah-Louise's (Tina O'Brien) best mate Candice Stowe (Nikki Sanderson) were godmothers and Roy was godfather. Bethany's uncle David (Jack P. Shepherd) was intending to be godfather, but he jealously did a runner from the church. The christening party was also ruined when Candice's mother Marion (Paula Simms) turned up and angrily dragged her daughter away, and David turned up in a police car as he was caught shoplifting. Jessica's surname was credited in her first two appearances, but on her last appearance, her first name was revealed. Nita Desai Nita Desai, played by Rebecca Sarker, arrives in January as a new assistant at the Corner Shop, which her family later take over. Nita managed the shop for Ravi when he bought it from Fred Elliott, living in the flat above. After just four months, Nita, craving independence, left the family business to climb the managerial ladder at Freshco supermarket. She spent a year as assistant manager at the Weatherfield branch before, in 2000, leaving the street for Inverness to run her own store. Ravi Desai Ravi Desai took over the management of the Corner Shop on Coronation Street in January 1999. Played by