The family of EastEnders star Derek Martin, who played Charlie Slater in the BBC One soap, have paid tribute after his death aged 92Lois McCarthy and Kerri-Ann Roper Press Association Entertainment Editor
21:07, 11 Jan 2026
Derek Martin has passed away at the age of 92(Image: PA Archive/PA Images)
A beloved soap actor has sadly passed away. Derek Martin, who played the iconic Charlie Slater in EastEnders for more than a decade, has died at the age of 92.
The family of the BBC One star confirmed his death, describing him as “not just a dad to us, he was a friend” who supported them through life’s highs and lows.
Martin brought the character to life from 2000 to 2011, later returning for guest spots in later years, with Charlie being central to numerous significant plot lines. His last appearance on EastEnders came in 2016, when his character met his end through a fatal heart attack.
A family statement, released through his representative Sharon Henry, read: “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.” For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter
The family of Mr Martin, who starred as Charlie Slater in Eastenders, have said he “wasn’t just a dad to us he was a friend and supported us through our highs and lows” (Image: © 2026 PA Media, All Rights Reserved)
Representative Henry confirmed in her own 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 commented: “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.”
Charlie’s departure storyline in 2016 saw viewers witness Kat (portrayed by Jessie Wallace) struggling with the revelation that she had actually delivered twins back in 1984, discovering she had an unknown son alongside her daughter, Zoe (portrayed by Michelle Ryan).
Her grandmother, Mo Harris (Laila Morse), had been aware of the child’s existence but had kept it secret from her. Whilst Kat and Mo were having a heated exchange, Charlie became overwhelmed and suffered a heart attack.
Additional plotlines featured a 2001 storyline where Charlie learned that his brother Harry had sexually abused Kat during her childhood and was Zoe’s biological father, with Zoe being brought up as Kat’s sister at that time. Beyond his memorable portrayal of taxi driver Charlie in EastEnders, Martin enjoyed a distinguished career spanning several decades, with appearances in the detective series Z-Cars, alongside roles in The Professionals, The Sweeney, Eldorado, Minder and Hart To Hart.
His television credits also included ITV’s prison drama The Governor, penned by Lynda La Plante, and the BBC crime series Law And Order.
La Plante paid tribute, saying: “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.”
One of the standout roles in his extensive career saw him star opposite David Yip in the BBC series The Chinese Detective during the early 1980s, whilst he also took a leading part in King And Castle, the Thames Television production that debuted on ITV with a pilot episode in 1985, followed by the first full series the following year.
Martin even made a cameo appearance as himself in an episode of David Walliams and Matt Lucas’s comedy sketch show Little Britain.
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