Soap star Derek Martin, who was 92, hit Albert Square in 2000 and became a fan favourite on the show until he was killed off in 2016.
Eastenders legend Derek Martin, known for playing Charlie Slater, has died.
The soap legend, who was 92, took up his role in Albert Square in 2000 and became a fan favourite on the show until he was killed off in 2016.
The dad-of-two’s family revealed the news in a touching tribute on Sunday, while Eastenders chiefs said he was “deeply loved” by his fellow cast members.
Best-known for his role playing feisty Kat Slater’s cabbie dad on the BBC soap, the star’s death on Saturday came after a career spanning 50 years on the screen.
In a statement, shared via his agent, Derek’s sons 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.”
Derek’s spokesperson added: “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.”
A family friend took to social media to share that the star had died in hospital on Saturday evening, writes the Mirror.
Born Derek William Rapp, the actor started his career as a stuntman on Doctor Who but broke his collarbone while filming Elizabeth R and decided to focus on acting.
He went on to appear on Law & Order, King and Castle and Eldorado as well as The Bill, Only Fools and Horses and Little Britain. But to millions, he was best known as the loveable London cabbie, Charlie in Albert Square.
Derek said playing the role was like putting on an “old coat, and he had hoped to remain on the show until he died.
Nine years after he first arrived in Walford, it was announced that Derek would be taking a break from the show.
In 2016, Charlie was killed off from EastEnders after the character suffered a heart attack, but the actor said it had been “wonderful.”
Speaking of his departure, he said: “I spoke to Dominic, the executive producer, and he explained (the storyline) and said he’d give me a good send-off. In a way, it’s closure, after 11 years, which for an actor is wonderful.”
But while he openly admitted he loved his time on the soap, in 2022, Derek said that the show was “miserable” and needed to inject humour back into the storylines.
A spokesperson for EastEnders 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.”
Tributes have since poured in across social media, with one fan writing: “Some sad news this evening as Derek Martin, Walford’s very own Charlie Slater, has passed away. Thoughts with his family, friends and all those who worked with him.”
“I’m so sad to read this. Farewell Derek Martin – a lovely man, a fantastic actor, and an EastEnders icon,” said a second.
A third went on to write: “Very sad to hear that Derek Martin has died. He created a wonderful character in Charlie Slater – the perfect head of the clan.”
