The actor Derek Martin, known for his long‑running role as Charlie Slater on the BBC soap opera Eastenders, died on 28 March 2024 at the age of 92. Born and raised in East London, Martin joined the production in 2000, playing the Slater family patriarch through 2016, when he left the show after a 16‑year run. The character of Charlie Slater, a local grocer and community pillar, has been a fixture in the serial’s portrayal of working‑class life, and Martin’s tenure has been noted for its dedication and consistency throughout the plot’s development.
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Mattheus ’Derek’ Miller, who adopted the stage name Martin under the guidance of the producers, left a legacy of professional integrity that set a standard for the actors who followed him. He remained active in the arts after his final appearance, participating in several theatre productions across London and mentoring young actors through the London Youth Theater program. The fellow actors and crew members who worked with him highlighted his collaboration skills and the authenticity he brought to his scene work, which contributed to the realistic representation of the East end community narrative throughout the series.
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No formal statement was issued by the soap’s production company. In lieu, a brief funeral service was conducted at a local London church, and an e‑certificate of service was sent to the families of former cast members. Derek Martin is survived by his sister, two nephews, and several professional acquaintances who have paid tribute to his service to the craft. His passing marks the final loss of a generation of actors who helped shape contemporary British televised drama.