Daniel Thomas is the son of Greg and Melanie Doland. Due to a mix up at the hospital Daniel was taken home by Laurel and Ashley Thomas while Ashley and Laurel's son Arthur Thomas was brought home with Greg and Melanie.
On 21st February 2008, Laurel goes to check on baby Daniel but she finds him not breathing in his cot. Ashley performs CPR while waiting for the paramedics and he is pronounced dead.
After Daniel's death the doctor tells The Thomas' that Daniel's blood type is not compatible with Laurel's. Two months after Daniel's death Laurel's mother Hilary becomes suspicious that the Doland's may be raising her grandson. The Doland's try to flee the country when they find out but they eventually return. In June 2008 the court awards custody of Arthur to Laurel and Ashley.
Daniel's godfather Shadrach Dingle kept a photograph of Daniel in his wallet until his death in 2010.