List of Minor Emmerdale Characters (2007) - Melanie Doland

Melanie "Mel" Doland is the wife of Greg Doland and biological mother of Daniel Thomas. She appeared from 2007 to 2008.

Mel first appears along with Greg when she is giving birth at the same time as Laurel Thomas. Unbeknown to either couple, their babies are accidentally swapped at the hospital, and Mel's biological son, Daniel, goes home with Laurel and Ashley Thomas, while Laurel's biological son, Arthur, goes home with the Dolands. The couples become friends and their children are baptised at the same time by Bishop George Postlethwaite. The Dolands become more frequent visitors to Emmerdale village when Greg, a builder, and Jack Sugden come to an arrangement for the redevelopment of Annie's Cottage. When Jack later sells Annie's Cottage, the Dolands buy it and move to the village.

On 21 February 2008, Daniel dies of cot death. Soon after, Laurel's mother Hilary Potts starts to suspect Arthur may be the Thomas' son not Greg and Mel's. They try and flee the country, but Ashley stops them. The police await their return, although they are not charged. Mel later runs away with Arthur on her own, but is later found. In June, the courts award custody of Arthur to his biological parents, Ashley and Laurel, leaving Mel particularly devastated. Over the coming weeks, Laurel has problems bonding with Arthur and Mel makes frequent visits to see Arthur. When Laurel finally bonds with Arthur, Greg and Mel leave the village as Mel realises there is no place for them anymore.