Derek Martin, the British actor who brought warmth and authority to the role of Charlie Slater in EastEnders, died on 10 January 2026 at the age of 92. His agent confirmed his death, but the cause has not been made public.
Martin spent more than five decades on screen, moving from tough-guy parts and stunt work to become the beloved head of one of television’s most recognisable families. His death prompted tributes from colleagues, fans, and the show that defined his career.
How Did Derek Martin Die?
Name: Derek William Rapp (professionally Derek Martin)
Born/Died: 11 April 1933 – 10 January 2026 (age 92)
Famous Role: Charlie Slater in EastEnders
Cause of Death: Not publicly disclosed (as of Jan 2026)
- Derek Martin died at age 92, but his cause of death has not been officially confirmed.
- He was best known for playing Charlie Slater in EastEnders, a role he held for over a decade.
- His career spanned more than 70 years, including roles in Only Fools and Horses, Doctor Who, and several films.
- Online searches for his last photo indicate public curiosity about his final appearance.
- His agent, Sharon Henry, confirmed his death but did not specify a medical cause.
- His EastEnders character Charlie Slater died of a heart attack in 2016, a death that was fictional and unrelated to Martin’s own passing.
- Tributes from EastEnders and his family highlighted his impact as a father figure and an authentic working-class voice.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Derek William Rapp |
| Born | 11 April 1933 |
| Died | 10 January 2026 (aged 92) |
| Profession | Actor |
| Known For | Charlie Slater in EastEnders |
| Other Notable Roles | Only Fools and Horses, Doctor Who, Law & Order |
| Years Active | 1950s – 2026 |
| Cause of Death | Not publicly confirmed |
What TV Roles Was Derek Martin Known For?
Martin’s most famous role was Charlie Slater, the patriarch of the Slater family on EastEnders. He played the character from 2000 to 2011, returning for guest appearances in 2013 and 2016. Charlie died on-screen in January 2016 after suffering a fatal heart attack.
What Was His Role in Only Fools and Horses?
Martin appeared in an episode of the classic British comedy Only Fools and Horses, adding to his reputation as a versatile character actor who moved easily between genres.
Did He Appear in Doctor Who?
Martin’s connection to Doctor Who was twofold. He began as a stuntman on the series and broke his collarbone in 1971. He later returned as an actor, playing policeman David Mitchell in the 1977 episode Image of the Fendahl.
Martin’s EastEnders character Charlie Slater died on-screen in 2016 from a heart attack. The cause of Martin’s own death in January 2026 has not been confirmed.
What Other Television Shows Did He Appear In?
Across a long career, Martin built a substantial list of credits. He played the lead role of Ronald King in Law & Order (1978) and the villain Spooner in The Sweeney. He also appeared in Minder, Bergerac, The Bill, Eldorado, Hart to Hart, Upstairs, Downstairs, and played himself in Little Britain.
What Movies Did Derek Martin Star In?
Martin’s film career included a range of smaller roles, often in British production. He was featured in productions such as Law & Order (1978), which also aired as a television series, and he is listed in film credits across the 1970s and 1980s, frequently playing hard-edged or working-class characters.
Martin did not begin acting until age 29. Before that, he worked as a professional gambler, motor racer, meat market worker, debt collector, and served in the RAF.
What Were the Key Dates in Derek Martin’s Life?
- 11 April 1933: Born in Bow, East London, England.
- 1950s: Began his acting career after a variety of early jobs.
- 1971: Broke his collarbone while working as a stuntman on Doctor Who.
- 1977: Returned to Doctor Who as an actor in Image of the Fendahl.
- 2000: Joined EastEnders as Charlie Slater.
- 2011: Departed the show as a regular cast member.
- 10 January 2026: Died at age 92 in Hertfordshire, England.
What Is Known and What Remains Unclear About Derek Martin’s Death?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Full name and birth date (11 April 1933) | Cause of death — not officially released |
| Date of death (10 January 2026) | Exact whereabouts of his last photo — no verified final image has surfaced |
| Age at death (92) | Details of his final year (2025) — limited public information is available |
| Role as Charlie Slater in EastEnders | |
| Appearances in Only Fools and Horses and Doctor Who |
How Did Derek Martin Begin His Acting Career?
Martin’s early life bore little resemblance to the television sets he would later inhabit. Born Derek William Rapp in Bow, East London, he worked as a professional gambler, a motor racer, a meat market worker, a debt collector, and served in the Royal Air Force. He did not turn to acting until he was 29, a late start that gave him a distinctive authenticity that would later define his screen presence.
His early roles often cast him as tough or villainous characters. As his career progressed, he moved into more paternal, authoritative parts, culminating in his defining role as Charlie Slater. The arc of his career — from stuntman and heavy to beloved television father — is a rare one in British entertainment.
What Tributes Have Been Paid to Derek Martin?
Colleagues and institutions were quick to honour Martin after his death was announced. His agent, Sharon Henry, spoke on behalf of those who had worked closely with him.
“It is with great sadness that I can confirm that our beloved client Derek Martin passed away on 10th January 2026. For over 50 years, Derek was a truly authentic working-class voice in British television and film.”
Sharon Henry, agent
His family described him in personal terms, stating he was “not just a dad to us he was a friend and supported us through our highs and lows.” They noted his devotion as a father, his generosity as a member of the Water Rats organisation, and his enthusiasm for golf.
“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.”
EastEnders show statement
News of his death was carried by major outlets. BBC News reported the death of the actor best known for playing Charlie Slater, while The Guardian published an obituary that traced his rise from tough-guy roles to soap patriarch. Wikipedia’s entry for Martin was updated after his death, and IMDB likewise reflected his passing.
What Is Derek Martin’s Lasting Legacy?
Derek Martin carved a distinctive path through British television. He began with no connections to the industry, worked his way through stunts and small parts, and eventually became the face of one of the most recognisable families in soap history. His death at 92 brings a quiet close to a career that reflected the working-class life he came from. For audiences, he will remain Charlie Slater — the gruff but loving patriarch of Albert Square. Readers who wish to explore similar lives may find interest in the biography of Annette Badland – Biography, Age, and Famous Roles, another actor whose work spanned EastEnders and Doctor Who, or Geoffrey Hughes – Cause of Death, Wife, and Iconic TV Roles, a much-loved British character actor.
Frequently Asked Questions About Derek Martin
How old was Derek Martin when he died?
He was 92 years old. He was born on 11 April 1933 and died on 10 January 2026.
What role did Derek Martin play in EastEnders?
He played Charlie Slater, the patriarch of the Slater family, from 2000 to 2011, with guest returns in 2013 and 2016.
Did Derek Martin appear in Only Fools and Horses?
Yes, he appeared in an episode of the classic British comedy Only Fools and Horses during his long television career.
Was Derek Martin in Doctor Who?
Yes. He first worked on the show as a stuntman, breaking his collarbone in 1971, then returned as an actor playing policeman David Mitchell in 1977.
Where can I find Derek Martin’s last photo?
No verified final photo of Derek Martin from 2025 or 2026 has been publicly released. Most images currently circulating date from his years on EastEnders.
What happened with Derek Martin in 2025?
There are no public reports of Martin being active in 2025. His death was announced in January 2026, and his final year appears to have been private.
What movies did Derek Martin appear in?
His film credits include Law & Order (1978) and a range of British productions from the 1970s and 1980s, though he was primarily a television actor.
Was Derek Martin’s cause of death the same as his character’s?
No. His EastEnders character Charlie Slater died of a heart attack in 2016. Martin’s own cause of death has not been publicly disclosed.
Oliver Harrison is Senior Reporter at TheUKDaily.uk, covering breaking national news and general UK stories.