Family of EastEnders actor Derek Martin share tribute after his death aged 92
He played Charlie Slater from 2000-2011, with guest appearances until the character’s final appearance in 2016.
The family of EastEnders actor Derek Martin, who starred as Charlie Slater in the BBC One soap, have said he “wasn’t just a dad to us he was a friend and supported us through our highs and lows”, following his death aged 92.
Martin played the character between 2000 and 2011, and made guest appearances in the years following that, with Charlie featuring in a number of major storylines.
His final EastEnders appearance was in 2016, with his character suffering a fatal heart attack.
A statement from his family, shared by his agent Sharon Henry, said: “Derek wasn’t just a dad to us he was a friend and supported us through our highs and lows. He never stopped learning, he loved meeting people and was always generous with his time. We both miss him terribly.
“The family ask that their privacy be respected at this difficult time.”
Agent Henry said in a statement: “It is with great sadness that I can confirm that our beloved client Derek Martin passed away on 10th January 2026.
“For over 50 years, Derek was a truly authentic working-class voice in British television and film.
“It was a privilege to be a part of his creative journey in a career which included highlights such as Law And Order for the BBC and two series of The Governor produced by La Plante Productions. He is best known for his role on EastEnders, where he cherished his time portraying Charlie Slater.
“Derek was a devoted father, a generous member of the charitable Water Rats, avid golfer and all-around good man who will be greatly missed.”
An EastEnders spokesperson said: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Derek Martin. From the moment he arrived, Derek’s portrayal of Charlie Slater instantly cemented him in the hearts of the audience, as the head of one of EastEnders’ most iconic families.
“Charlie would do anything for his family, and much like his character, Derek would do the same for those around him. Derek was deeply loved by all those that worked with him at EastEnders and will always be remembered with great fondness.
“Our love and thoughts are with his family and friends.”
During Charlie’s exit storyline in 2016, viewers saw Kat (played by Jessie Wallace) reeling from the news that she actually gave birth to twins in 1984, and had an unknown son as well as her daughter, Zoe (played by Michelle Ryan).
Her grandmother, Mo Harris (Laila Morse), knew about the child and had never told her. As Kat and Mo argued, an overwhelmed Charlie went into cardiac arrest.
Other storylines included one in 2001, in which Charlie discovered that his brother Harry had abused Kat as a child and fathered Zoe, who at the time was being raised as Kat’s sister.
His role as taxi driver Charlie in EastEnders aside, Martin had a career that spanned decades, appearing in detective series Z-Cars, as well as in The Professionals, The Sweeney, Eldorado, Minder and Hart To Hart.
He also appeared in ITV prison drama The Governor, written by Lynda La Plante, and the BBC crime drama series Law And Order.
La Plante said: “Derek Martin was an extremely talented actor, genuine and truthful from the moment he first came on TV. I enjoyed working with him in the series Governor and send my sincere condolences to his family.”
A prominent role in his career was starring alongside David Yip in BBC series The Chinese Detective, which aired in the early 80s, and he was a lead character in King And Castle, the series made by Thames Television and which first broadcast on ITV with a pilot in 1985, and the first series following the next year.
Martin also played himself in an episode of David Walliams and Matt Lucas’s Little Britain.
