EastEnders Actor Famous For His British Soap Portrayal Dies At 92

EastEnders spoilers and updates reveal Derek Martin, best known for his portrayal of Charlie Slater in the BBC soap, has died at 92. He was on the BBC soap for over a decade and continued for returns reprising his character.

Martin Was Best Known As Charlie Slater

For many, Martin is best known for his role as Charlie Slater in the BBC soap opera EastEnders; he was part of the series from 2000 until 2011. Martin made a brief return as the character in 2013 and again in 2016.

Interestingly, the star began his journey in the entertainment industry from a different profession; however, he quickly established a career that would last for decades.

Derek Martin’s career has spanned many years, starting as a stuntman in shows like Doctor Who, before making the shift to acting. He is particularly recognized for his roles in the crime dramas Law & Order and King and Castle.

Derek Martin Was Featured In A Number Of Major Storylines On The BBC Soap

In the series, Martin’s character played a significant role in several key story arcs; he made his debut in the soap’s fictional Albert Square alongside his four daughters. Ultimately, Slater met his end due to a heart attack during his last appearance.

A statement from Martin’s agent, Sharon Henry, was shared with BBC News, revealing that he passed away on January 10, 2026. The EastEnders team also issued a tribute to Derek Martin.

In their statement, Martin’s family expressed that he “supported us through our highs and lows” and that they would “miss him terribly.” They further noted, “For over 50 years, Derek was a genuinely authentic working-class voice in British television and film.”

Martin’s Agent Said He Was A Privilege To Work With

Martin’s agent referred to collaborating with him as “a privilege to be part of his creative journey.” The actor reportedly “cherished his time playing Charlie Slater.”

Ultimately, Henry characterized the actor by saying, “Derek was a dedicated father, a generous member of the charitable Water Rats, an enthusiastic golfer, and an all-around good man who will be deeply missed.”

According to The Daily Mail, Martin was hospitalized before his passing, however, the cause of death has not yet been disclosed.

EastEnders has been airing since early 1985. The soap opera depicts the lives of local residents in the fictional borough of Walford in London’s East End.

The Character Charlie Slater Was The Father Of Four Daughters

Charlie Slater was the father of Lynne Hobbs (Elaine Lordan), Kat Moon (Jessie Wallace), Belinda Peacock (Carli Norris)  and Little Mo Mitchell (Kacey Ainsworth), and widower of Viv Slater (April Martin).

He was the  grandfather of Zoe Slater (Michelle Ryan), Dermott Dolan (Olsin Stack), Vivienne Hobbs (miscarriage) , Freddie Slater (Bobby Brazier) and Tommy, Bert and Ernie Moon (Sonny Kendall, Elliott Briffet, Cody Briffet).

In September 2000, Charlie, a taxicab driver and the widow of Viv Slater, arrives in Walford alongside Viv’s mother, Mo Harris (Laila Morse) , and his five daughters: Lynne, Kat, Belinda, Little Mo, and Zoe, along with Lynne’s boyfriend, Garry Hobbs (Ricky Groves).

Shortly after their arrival, it is revealed that Kat is, in fact, Zoe’s biological mother, a secret that has been kept from the entire family, except for Kat’s deceased mother.

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