Tributes paid to beloved EastEnders star Derek Martin following his death at 92
Derek Martin played taxi driver Charlie Slater in the BBC soap.
Actor Derek Martin, who played taxi driver Charlie Slater in the BBC soap EastEnders, has died at 92. Along with his four daughters, Lynne, Kat, Little Moe and Zoe, as well as mother-in-law, Mo Harris, the character of Charlie Slater arrived in Walford back in the year 2000.
Before starring in EastEnders, 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.
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."
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.”
In October 2025, actor Tony Caunter who starred in Roy Evans in EastEnders, died at 88. He is said to have “died peacefully” just eight days after the death of his “beloved wife”.
Tony Caunter’s family shared a statement which read: “It is with enormous sadness that we bring the curtain down on our wonderful and hugely loved father, Tony Caunter, who died peacefully yesterday evening, just eight days after his beloved wife of 63 years, Fran, also passed away.
“Dad was 88 years old. After a long and fulfilling life on and off screen and stage, Tony leaves a daughter and three sons, seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He will be missed by all.”