- - Derek Martin, Charlie Slater on EastEnders, Dead at 92

Johnathon KornbleeJanuary 11, 2026 at 5:59 PM

0

(Photo by Justin Goff Photos\Getty Images)

Derek Martin, bestknown for his role as Charlie Slater on the BBC soap opera EastEnders, has died at age 92. The news was confirmed by EastEnders official Instagram account.

In a statement shared on social media, the show wrote, “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.”

View this post on Instagram

🎬 SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox🎬

Co-stars and fans flooded the BBC’s tribute with their own messages. One user wrote, “Rest in peace Derek. Sending love to the family and cast of Eastenders. Uncle Charlie forever ❤️”

A second user added, “Oh no this is awful news. Sending love to his family, friends and the cast who worked with him ❤️”

In a family statement shared with Hello Magazine by Martin’s agent Sharon Henry, the family shared, “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."

Martin began his professional film career in 1964, as a roustabout in the Freddie Francis-directed film, The Evil of Frankenstein. Over the course of his career, he went on to appear in more than two dozen films.

His television career began in 1963, when he appeared as an extra on the BBC series Maigret. Martin later became a series regular on the 1993 soap Eldorado before achieving widespread recognition as the patriarch of the Slater family on EastEnders in 2000.

Martin portrayed Charlie Slater until 2011 and returned for guest appearances in 2013. The character was ultimately killed off in 2016, cementing Charlie’s place as one of the soaps most beloved figures.

EastEnders streams Monday through Thursdays in the United States on BritBox.

This story was originally published by Parade on Jan 11, 2026, where it first appeared in the TV section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Original Article on Source

Source: “AOL Entertainment”