ITV/BBC Share By Joel Harley Jan 12 2026 By Joel Harley Jan 12 2026 EastEnders pays tribute as Charlie Slater star Derek Martin dies, aged 92 Reports of the actor's death emerged yesterday Share By Joel Harley Jan 12 2026 By Joel Harley Jan 12 2026 EastEnders has 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) Soap leads tributes following death of Derek Martin EastEnders have shared their own tribute to Martin on social media today. 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. Article continues below Read all the latest spoilers “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. 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 Good to Know Share By Joel Harley Jan 12 2026 By Joel Harley Jan 12 2026 Previous Story Next Story
