Derek Martin, the actor best known for playing Charlie Slater in “EastEnders,” has died at 92. The beloved performer passed away on Saturday, January 10, 2026, according to a statement released by his agent Sharon Henry.
Martin brought warmth and authenticity to the devoted widower and taxi driver Charlie Slater on the BBC soap from 2000 to 2011, becoming Albert Square’s most recognizable patriarch. He continued making guest appearances until 2016, when his character suffered a fatal heart attack during his final storyline—a fitting end for the devoted family man.
“For over 50 years, Derek was a truly authentic working-class voice in British television and film,” Henry stated. The agent described Martin as someone who “cherished his time portraying Charlie Slater” and called him “a devoted father, a generous member of the charitable Water Rats, avid golfer and all-around good man who will be greatly missed.”
Born Derek William Rapp in Bow in April 1933, Martin grew up in the same East End streets his most famous character would later call home. Before pursuing acting, he worked in factories and as a butcher at Smithfield Market. He also worked as a professional gambler, motor racer, debt collector, and completed national service in the Royal Air Force before beginning his entertainment career as a stuntman.
Martin’s family described him as more than just a father: “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 miss him terribly.”
Martin began his entertainment career as a stuntman on programs including “Doctor Who,” but after breaking his collar bone filming the drama “Elizabeth R” (1971), he switched to acting. His five-decade career included roles in “Doctor Who,” “Z-Cars,” “The Sweeney,” and “Hart to Hart” during the 1970s and 1980s.
In 1978, Martin played Detective Inspector Fred Pyall in “Law and Order” for the BBC. He later secured a recurring role as Ronald King in “King and Castle” from 1985 to 1988. The actor also appeared in “Eldorado and The Governor,” the latter written by acclaimed creator Lynda La Plante.
Martin’s breakthrough came in 2000 when he joined “EastEnders” as Charlie Slater, cast in his third audition for the show after previously being considered for the roles of Den Watts and Frank Butcher. Charlie arrived in the fictional borough of Walford with his four daughters and mother-in-law Mo Harris, serving as patriarch of the Slater family, one of the soap’s most iconic clans.
The character was written out of the soap in 2011 under executive producer Bryan Kirkwood as part of a plan to “breathe new life into the show.” Martin made guest appearances in 2013, including special episodes on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day that year, bringing in 10.31 million viewers. His final appearance came in 2016 when Charlie suffered a fatal heart attack, bringing closure to the beloved character’s journey.
An “EastEnders” spokesperson said the show was profoundly saddened by Martin’s death, noting that from his first appearance, his performance as Charlie Slater won over audiences and secured his place at the center of one of the show’s most memorable families. The spokesperson added that Charlie was devoted to his loved ones, and in much the same way, Martin was equally committed to the people in his life. According to the spokesperson, he was cherished by everyone who worked with him on “EastEnders” and will be remembered with deep affection.
Martin’s portrayal of Charlie Slater resonated with audiences because of his authentic representation of working-class London life. Born and raised in the same area where “EastEnders” is set, Martin brought genuine experience and understanding to the role, making Charlie one of the soap’s most believable characters.
Martin’s career spanned more than five decades in British television and film, establishing him as a recognizable face across multiple generations of viewers. His work in both dramatic and lighter roles demonstrated his versatility as a performer, though he remains best remembered for his time on EastEnders.
In 2012, Martin won the third series of Celebrity Coach Trip alongside “EastEnders” co-star John Altman. From 2010 to 2011, he served as King Rat of the Grand Order of Water Rats, an entertainment-industry charity. He was married twice and had twin sons, David and Jonathan, with his second wife.