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Derek Martin, who starred as Charlie Slater in EastEnders, has died aged 92.
Martin played the devoted father and taxi driver on the BBC One soap between 2000 and 2011, and continued making guest appearances until his departure in 2016.
A statement from 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 miss him terribly.”
The family requested that their “privacy be respected at this difficult time”.
Slater arrived in Walford, a fictional borough of east London, in 2000 alongside his mother-in-law, Mo Harris, and daughters, Lynne, Kat, Little Mo and Zoe. He won viewers’ hearts as the caring bedrock of the tumultuous Slater household.
Martin, a former butcher, was born in Bow, east London, in April 1933. He left his job at Smithfield meat market in 1962 with the aim of pursuing an acting career, according to his website.
Martin also played DI Fred Pyle in the BBC’s Law & Order, but is best known for his role in EastEnders.
His agent, Sharon Henry, said he “was a truly authentic working-class voice in British television and film”. She added: “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 said: “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.”
