Double tragedy as beloved EastEnders star Derek Martin’s son just days after soap actor died

Only days after the death of EastEnders legend Derek Martin, it has been revealed that his son has also passed away. Derek Martin was best known for playing the character of taxi driver Charlie Slater in the BBC soap EastEnders, he was 92 at the time of his death.

A family friend of Derek Martin shared the news on Facebook that the actor had died on Saturday January 10. The post read: "It is with deepest regret to announce that Derek Martin / Derek Rapp.

"Age of 92. At 7pm this evening Derek has sadly passed away in Hospital about an hour ago. My Mum and his Son David was with Derek the whole time.

"Derek was truly an amazing person who was very talented in the filming industry and many other things. A great man, Father of two Sons & a fantastic family friend. We will miss you Derek. RIP."

EastEnders star Michelle Ryan took to Instagram and wrote: “This is a lovely memory of Derek and I on the Albert Square set on a summers day in 2000, before the Slaters launched onto the screen for the first time. Charlie was always very protective of his girls especially the youngest Zoe. #derekmartin

(thank you George for sending over the photo).”

Fantom Events & Publishing paid tribute to Derek Martin on Facebook and wrote: “We're sorry to learn of the passing of the legendary Derek Martin, a man with a long and successful career which endeared him to millions. Anyone who met him will remember his down-to-Earth nature and sense of humour!

“Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”

Before arriving as taxi driver Charlie Slater in Walford back in 2000, Derek Martin did National Service in the Royal Air Force, worked in factories and quit his job at Smithfield Meat Market in 1962 to start his acting career. Derek Martin started out as a stuntman and broke his collar bone while filming Elizabeth R in 1971.

After breaking his collar bone, Derek Martin switched from stuntman to actor and appeared in shows such as The Bill, The Sweeney and Bergerac. Derek Martin appeared as Detective Inspector Fred Pyle in Law and Order and starred as Gary Marshall in The Governor and Ronald King in King and Castle.

Only days after the death of Derek Martin, according to reports, his son David Rapp has passsed away. The Express has reported that “David Rapp was the son of the acting legend, who found fame as Charlie Slater in the BBC soap. BBB Agency confirmed his death in a social media post this week (January 20).

The post read: "Devastating news today. Just after losing his father. David has also passed away. The gentle giant whose heart was as big as he was. I couldn’t have wished for a better friend or workmate. Rest in peace, David Rapp you will be missed! BBB HQ will never be the same."