Likeable, committed, passionate, with a great sense of joviality and humour, Dan appears in every way to be a balanced, well-rounded guy. But every closet has its skeletons.

Having grown up in a small rural town, Dan is an outdoor kind of guy. He has an affinity with nature, the bush in particular and while he doesn't surf, he does enjoy spending time on and in the water. He cherishes his childhood memories of camping out under the stars with his father and brother: the fun they had, the laughter they shared, the closeness they felt...

Dan was an easy-going child, causing his parents little in the way of teenage grief, despite being fiercely competitive with his older brother Peter.

Dan's brother is a detective attached to Summer Bay. When he learns his brother is in a coma after being attacked by the Stalker, Dan arrives in Summer Bay to stay by his bedside.

Dan's primary passion in life is his work. With incredible communication skills and empathy for those in trouble, he's held the position of Student Counsellor at his local community's university since graduating with a degree. From an early age Dan identified the career path he wanted to follow, and stopped at nothing to achieve his dream. He is now the Student Counsellor at Summer Bay High.

When Dan comes to Summer Bay, his ex-wife Amanda and son Ryan are in America. Dan and Amanda met when at university: he studying psychology and Amanda studying drama at NIDA. Amanda's career took precedence over their marriage and despite Dan having been the most supportive husband and father, Amanda jumped at the opportunity of going to Hollywood.

While in Summer Bay, Dan finds himself falling for the quirk and charm of the town. But the community isn't the only thing he's attracted to. A certain young lady also catches his eye, Leah Patterson. The two spend quite a bit of time together as a result of their mutual concern for Peter and over the course of time their friendship blossoms in to a loving relationship, which leads to marriage.

Dan and Leah settle down to enjoy domestic bliss. They decide it's too soon in their marriage to have a baby, but when a pregnancy test proves negative, Dan and Leah are surprised at their disappointment and contemplate the joys of having their own baby. After several more disappointments they resort to the IVF programme and still live in hope of having their own child. However, Dan foolishly resorts to his old vice of gambling and this not only seriously threatens his marriage to Leah, but endangers the life of his son Ryan.

Dan and Leah's marriage crumbles and he moves out. However, Leah fails to tell Dan that she is pregnant. When Dan's brother Peter returns to Summer Bay, Dan suggests he stay at his house. Peter is still in love with Leah and when he comforts Leah over Dan, Leah is confused at her own feelings.

The relationship between Dan and his brother becomes awkward as Dan confides in Peter that he desperately wants a reconciliation with Leah. How will this triangle end?

During a heated argument with Dan, Leah collapses and is rushed to hospital. Dan is guilt-ridden and apologises profusely to Leah. After an ultrasound is ordered to check on the baby's health, Leah and Dan are devastated to be told their unborn baby is dead! A heartbroken Leah and Dan return home and try to carry on in their marriage. When Peter calls in, Dan tells Peter to stay out of his life!

When Josh West is murdered there are many in Summer Bay who would have a motive. Dan is called in for questioning by Peter, and learns Leah is the one who had her suspicions about Dan! However, Leah is confused about her feelings for Dan, and when she catches Dan and Amanda locked in an embrace on the beach, she is stunned. After Amanda has worked her manipulative way into Dan's heart, he knows he is still in love with Leah. Little does he know Leah is still in love with him.

After Dan sees Leah kissing Hugh at the Surf Club, he has too many drinks