EastEnders’ star Derek Martin has died at the age of 92, bringing to a close a remarkable life and career that became closely intertwined with one of Britain’s most iconic television shows.
The actor, who played the warm-hearted taxi driver and devoted family man Charlie Slater on EastEnders, passed away in hospital last night. He is survived by his two sons, David and Jonathan, who paid tribute to him in a statement today. “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.”
Born in Bow, east London in April 1933, Martin had an unusually authentic route into acting. A former East End butcher, he entered the profession without any formal training and without ever stepping foot on a theatre stage, instead building his career entirely through screen work. Over more than five decades, he appeared in a wide range of television and film roles, but it was his long-running part on EastEnders that made him a household name.
EastEnders, which first aired in 1985, is one of the most successful and influential British soap operas of all time. Set in the fictional Walford in London’s East End, the show has become famous for its gritty, socially grounded storytelling, often tackling issues such as family conflict, addiction, crime, poverty and mental health. For millions of viewers across the UK and Ireland, it has been a near-nightly fixture for four decades, launching the careers of countless actors and producing some of the most memorable moments in British television history.
Within that universe, Charlie Slater was introduced as part of the chaotic and much-loved Slater family, one of the show’s most important clans. Charlie, a black cab driver with a soft heart and old-fashioned sense of loyalty, was the emotional anchor of the family, often acting as a calming presence amid their many dramas. Martin played the role for 15 years, becoming deeply associated with the character and earning a loyal fanbase.
His departure in 2016 was one of the show’s most emotional storylines, with Charlie dying of a fatal heart attack, a plot that was written to reflect the character’s age and health rather than any controversy or behind-the-scenes drama. For many viewers, it marked the end of an era for the Slaters and for EastEnders itself.
@wtfisthisfeed0 RIP Derek Martin 💔 the nations favourite cab driver #charlieslater #derekmartin #eastenders #eastendersedit #theslaters ♬ original sound - Moyosoreoluwa 🎀
In a statement, the show said it was “deeply saddened” by Martin’s death, adding: “Charlie would do anything for his family, and much like his character, Derek would do the same for those around him.”
That sentiment reflects how closely the actor was linked to the man he portrayed. Colleagues frequently described him as generous, kind and quietly humorous, someone who brought a real sense of lived-in warmth to every scene. Unlike many actors who trained in drama schools, Martin brought the cadence, grit and humanity of real East London life into his performances, which made his work on EastEnders feel particularly authentic.
Beyond the soap, his career stretched back to the 1960s, with appearances across British television and film that showcased his versatility and longevity in a famously tough industry.
With his passing, Derek Martin leaves behind not just his family, but generations of viewers who welcomed Charlie Slater into their homes night after night. For fans of EastEnders, his legacy will always be bound to a character who stood for loyalty, decency and the enduring power of family — values that, by all accounts, the actor lived by too.
Yesterday marked 37 years since EastEnders fans were introduced to June Brown's character Dot Cotton on 4 July 1985. The show paid a special tribute in her honour.
The show recreated Brown's first ever scene on the soap, which saw Sonia Fowler played by June's close friend Natalie Cassidy read almost the exact same script lines that June read out during her first ever scene on Albert Square.
Sonia also wore a coat which was similar to that worn by Dot Cotton in that scene, where she walked into a cafe and asked Kathy Beale, "Give us a tea Kath, and a glass of water so I can take a paracetamol".
This was similar to Dot's opening line, which read "Give us a tea Lofty, and a glass of water so I can take a paracetamol".
Fans were quick to notice this moment, with one writing "This is really sweet! I love June Brown and Dorothy Cotton! Both legends. She will be missed".
Another added, "Lovely tribute to Dot’s first ever scene in tonight’s first episode".
June Brown passed away in 2022 aged 95, with another fan paying trbute to her, writing that she was "gone but not forgotten".
