Derek Martin, best known for his portrayal of Charlie Slater in EastEnders, has died aged 92 in hospital.
The actor passed away on January 10, 2026, following a career spanning more than five decades in British television and film. His sons David and Jonathan described him as “a friend” who “supported us through our highs and lows,” adding: “He never stopped learning, he loved meeting people and was always generous with his time. We both miss him terribly.”
Agent Sharon Henry confirmed his passing, stating: “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… He is best known for his role on EastEnders, where he cherished his time portraying Charlie Slater.”
Born in April 1933 in Bow, East London, Mr Martin worked as a butcher at Smithfield Meat Market, a road-digger, factory worker, racing motorist and professional gambler before entering acting. He served in the Royal Air Force during National Service.
He began his acting career in the 1960s without formal training after making contact with an agent at a Soho café, initially working as a stuntman on Doctor Who. A broken collarbone sustained whilst filming Elizabeth R in 1971 prompted his shift to full-time acting.
Mr Martin’s breakthrough came in 1977 with the BBC’s Law and Order, where he played Detective Inspector Fred Pyle in a drama criticising police corruption. Early credits included Z-Cars, Softly Softly, The Sweeney, Minder, Bergerac, The Bill and Little Britain, in which he appeared as himself. Other notable roles included Ronald King in King and Castle and Gary Marshall in The Governor.
He joined EastEnders in 2000 as Charlie Slater, a taxi driver and father to Kat, Lynne, Little Mo and Zoe Slater, and son-in-law to Mo Harris. His 15-year tenure featured storylines including imprisonment for attacking his daughter’s rapist Graham Foster, romances with Peggy Mitchell and Brenda Boyle, and the 2011 baby-swap involving Kat and Ronnie Branning.
The character died of a heart attack on screen in 2016, marking Mr Martin’s final appearance after brief revisits between 2011 and 2013.
Speaking to The Sun in 2022, Mr Martin criticised the show’s darker direction, stating: “You’ve got to have humour because there’s always something to laugh about in life… It’s like the BBC is trying to turn EastEnders into Hollyoaks with so many youngsters. Everyone’s having affairs and beating people up.”
He also spoke of real-life parallels with storylines, recalling: “At work I had the Stacey storyline. Then, I got home and there was my son, suffering from severe depression.”
EastEnders paid tribute, stating: “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… Derek was deeply loved by all those who worked with him at EastEnders and will always be remembered with great fondness.”
Mr Martin was passionate about golf and football, and served as King Rat of the Grand Order of Water Rats, a theatrical fraternity established in 1889, from 2010 to 2011. Ian Richards posted on Facebook: “So very sad to hear of the passing of PKR Derek Martin… a genuinely warm and funny man… His massive charity work, largely unreported, but never dismissed by those who knew him well.”
Steve Hewlett, a ventriloquist and Water Rats member, said: “Derek Martin will be truly missed. He made my Water Rats visits magical and hilarious.” Fellow member Ian Henry added: “It was a joy to be in his company. He had so many stories and was a very funny man… His presence will be sorely missed.” The group has scheduled a tribute meeting.
Mr Martin celebrated his 90th birthday in 2023 with his sons. He was previously married to Christine Rigg and Gloria Mitchell, both marriages ending in divorce. The family has requested privacy.
