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BBC EastEnders legend Derek Martin dies at 92 as family pay tribute to 'devoted dad'
The beloved actor, who played Charlie Slater for 15 years, has passed away and tributes have been rolling in from family and EastEnders bosses

Derek Martin has died at the age of 92, with his family now releasing a heartfelt tribute.



The cherished actor, best known for playing devoted father and cabbie Charlie Slater in EastEnders, passed away on Saturday, 10 January.

In a statement released through his agent Sharon Henry on Sunday (January 11), his family 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 agent Sharon also honoured the late star, saying: "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", reports OK!

Sharon continued: "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."

Derek's role as Charlie in EastEnders

Long-time EastEnders fans will remember the beloved taxi driver Charlie Slater, who first appeared in Walford in 2000 with his four daughters and mother-in-law, Mo Harris.

Derek Martin brought to life the dedicated father of Lynne, Kat, Little Mo, and Zoe Slater, becoming one of the BBC soap's most cherished characters over an impressive 15-year run.

During his time on the show, Charlie was at the centre of numerous dramatic storylines, frequently centred around his daughters - from the devastating revelation of Kat's abuse by his brother Harry to facing GBH charges after protecting Little Mo.

Charlie left Albert Square in 2011 but returned intermittently before his emotional final appearance in 2016, when the character died from a heart attack in scenes that moved viewers across the country. His character's legacy lives on through a touching storyline, as Lily Slater gave birth and chose to name her baby Charli Branning-Slater in his honour.

The Bow-born actor, who entered the world in east London in April 1933, remains deeply invested in the soap and made waves in 2022 when he urged writers to bring back more light-hearted moments, arguing the programme had become "irrelevant" and "miserable".

He voiced concerns that the BBC show had lost its direction and suggested it should stop trying to cater predominantly to a younger demographic.

"You've got to have humour because there's always something to laugh about in life," he told The Sun.

"You used to have Charlie, Patrick Trueman (Rudolph Walker) and Jim Branning (John Bardon) sitting at the allotments with a few beers, just talking about silly things. That's what happens in real life. You need that on EastEnders."

Even after leaving the show in 2016, Derek revealed: "Every day, I get stopped by Joe Public. They say, 'Charlie' – because they still use my character's name – 'what's happened with EastEnders?".

"Coronation Street still has strong families but EastEnders seems to have lost that," he continued.

"I've nothing against youngsters. They're the future, but it's like the BBC is trying to turn EastEnders into Hollyoaks with so many youngsters, and everyone's having affairs and beating people up."