ITV/BBC Share Add as preferred source on Google Add as preferred source on Google By Joel Harley 13 Jan 2026, 12:01 By Joel Harley 13 Jan 2026, 12:01 Slater stars Michelle Ryan and Kacey Ainsworth lead tributes following death of Derek Martin, aged 92 Reports of the actor's death emerged yesterday Share Add as preferred source on Google Add as preferred source on Google By Joel Harley 13 Jan 2026, 12:01 By Joel Harley 13 Jan 2026, 12:01 The stars of EastEnders have paid tribute to the death of actor and soap icon Derek Martin, at the age of 92. The star played taxi driver Charlie Slater from 2000 to 2011, before briefly returning in 2016 for the character’s sad death. Outlets have reported that Martin passed away on Saturday, January 10, while in hospital. After breaking into the industry as a stuntman, Martin went on to appear in episodes of The Sweeney, The Bill and Law & Order, where he played Detective Inspector Fred Pyall. In 2000, he joined EastEnders as Slater patriarch Charlie – a role he held for 15 years. Martin left the soap for good in 2016 when the character suffered a fatal heart attack. He is survived by his sons David and Jonathan, who 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.” Derek played loving dad Charlie Slater (Credit: BBC/YouTube) EastEnders stars Kacey Ainsworth and Michelle Ryan lead tributes following death of Derek Martin Screen daughter Kacey Ainsworth, who played Little Mo, shared a tribute on her Instagram account yesterday. Sharing a snap of the Slater family, she wrote: “How I remember us. And Derek is trying to wrangle a bag of polecats into some kind of order. Article continues below Read all the latest spoilers The Grantchester star continued: “He was a lovely TV dad, with lots of stories from a long career that spanned everything from stuntman to our dad and everything in between. My love and thoughts to his family and friends #restinpeace #charlieslater #derekmartin xxx.” Meanwhile, Zoe Slater actress Michelle Ryan wrote: “So sad to hear the news that Derek Martin has passed away. He was a such a friendly man, always ready with a story and practical advice, for example how weak tea is good for shock. RIP Derek. Condolences to his friends and family.” Don't miss a single story! Add us as a Preferred Source in Google for all your EastEnders newsIt's important to us that you never miss our articles when searching for stories! We have all the latest TV news & schedules to share with our community of loyal readers. Click here and tick TVGuide.co.uk to ensure you see stories from us first in Google Search. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Michelle Ryan (@michelleryan008) EastEnders have shared their own tribute to Martin on social media. Posting to Instagram and X, the soap 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.” The soap’s statement finished: “Derek was deeply loved by all those who worked with him at EastEnders and will always be remembered with great fondness. Our love and thoughts are with his family and friends.” The star has passed away at the age of 92 (Credit: ITV) EastEnders stars pay tribute In the comments below the soap’s Instagram post, fans and co-stars alike paid tribute. This included Max Branning actor Jake Wood, who described him as an “absolute gentleman who will be missed by all who knew him.” Shona McGarty, who played Whitney Dean said: “The most gorgeous human. Always made me laugh. Some wonderful memories. Love you.” Meanwhile, Carmel Kazemi star Bonnie Langford commented with a crying emoji and a red heart. “Loved Derek. Such a gentleman, funny, cheeky, such talent. RIP darling man,” said Honey Mitchell actress Emma Barton. Read more: Who’s leaving, joining and returning to EastEnders? Complete list of cast exits, arrivals and returns. Share Add as preferred source on Google Add as preferred source on Google Good to Know Share Add as preferred source on Google Add as preferred source on Google By Joel Harley 13 Jan 2026, 12:01 By Joel Harley 13 Jan 2026, 12:01 Previous Story Next Story
