I was so saddened to hear the news – it’s just awful. Following so closely on the heels of Derek Martin’s death at 92, his son, David Rapp, has sadly passed away too. It’s a double tragedy for the family, and my heart goes out to them.
Derek, famous for playing Charlie Slater in the BBC’s long-running soap opera, passed away in hospital earlier this month.
David was at his father’s side when his father died, and the BBB Talent Agency announced on Thursday that David has also passed away.
We’re deeply saddened to share some heartbreaking news. David has passed away shortly after the loss of his father. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.
He was a kind and generous man, as impressive in personality as he was in size. I was incredibly lucky to have him as both a friend and colleague.
‘Rest in peace, David Rapp you will be missed! BBB HQ will never be the same.’
David was an employee of a Scottish talent agency that represents actors, models, and musicians. Authorities have not yet released information about how he died.
This news follows just over a week after the passing of Derek, the well-loved actor known for his role as Charlie Slater – the kind and caring father and taxi driver – in the soap opera EastEnders. He was 92 years old.
The retired butcher from East London, who became an actor without any formal training or stage experience, died in the hospital last night.
As a lifestyle expert, I’ve seen firsthand how impactful a father’s love can be, and Derek was clearly a wonderful one. His sons, David and Jonathan, shared with me how he wasn’t just their dad, but a true friend who was there for them through everything life threw their way. They described him as someone who was always growing, loved connecting with new people, and generously shared his time with others. It’s clear they miss him deeply, and I can only imagine the void his absence has left.
Derek acted in many different parts throughout his fifty-year career, but he’s most remembered for his 15-year role as the popular Charlie Slater on EastEnders.
He played a taxi driver who first appeared in Walford in 2000, arriving with his mother-in-law, Mo Harris, and his four daughters: Lynne, Kat, Little Mo, and Zoe.
Oh my gosh, everyone adored him! He played this incredibly sweet cab driver, but he was really the heart of the Slater family – a total rock for all those amazing women, always looking out for them and keeping them safe. It was just… perfect!
Derek, born in Bow, east London in April 1933, played a character who died of a heart attack on the show in 2016.
EastEnders expressed their deep sadness over the actor’s passing. They noted that, like his character Derek, he was devoted to his family and those around him.
Martin has spoken about starting his acting career after leaving his job at Smithfield Meat Market in 1962. Before that, he served in the Royal Air Force and held various jobs – from road construction and factory work to motor racing and even professional gambling.
He eventually achieved his dream job, sharing that he’d been a lifelong movie enthusiast. Growing up in London’s East End, surrounded by dozens of cinemas, some of his fondest childhood memories involved going to the movies – often at least three times a week when he was younger.
I always loved hearing how he got his start! He used to say he basically ‘found’ his agent by hanging out at a café in Soho – it was a popular spot for actors, and he just happened to meet the right person there. It was such a casual, organic way to begin his incredible career.
Martin started his career doing stunts, even appearing in a few episodes of Doctor Who. However, after fracturing his collarbone on the set of the historical drama Elizabeth R in 1971, he transitioned to acting.
Over the years, Martin became a well-known television actor, appearing in popular shows like Z-Cars, Softly Softly, The Sweeney, Minder, Bergerac, The Bill, and even a cameo as himself in Little Britain.
He credited his breakthrough role as Detective Inspector Fred Pyle in the 1977 series, Law and Order. The show focused on the problems created by corruption within the police force.
He also appeared as Ronald King in King and Castle and Gary Marshall in The Governor, but he’s most recognized for playing Charlie Slater in EastEnders, a role he started in 2000.
Outside of his work, Martin enjoyed playing golf and football. He was also a member of the Grand Order of Water Rats, a charitable and social organization for people in entertainment that began in 1889.
Members of the Grand Order of Water Rats remembered Martin with affection today, noting his time as their leader – known as ‘King Rat’ – from 2010 to 2011.
As a lifestyle expert, I’ve seen how important it is to honor those we’ve lost, and today, Martin’s colleagues are doing just that. They’re gathering to remember him and pay their respects, which is a lovely tradition within their community. It’s a chance for everyone who knew and admired this truly distinguished actor to say goodbye and share their memories of him.
Ian Richards, who used to be a member of the King Rats, shared news on Facebook today about the death of Derek Martin, affectionately known as ‘the king of the eggs’ among those who knew him.
Derek was a truly kind and hilarious person who always made me laugh. He also did a lot of quiet, unsung charity work that those who knew him deeply appreciated. It’s incredibly sad to say goodbye. The world feels a little dimmer without him.
Ventriloquist Steve Hewlett, who was part of the Water Rats club, paid tribute to Derek Martin, saying he would be deeply missed. Hewlett remembered Martin as someone who made every Water Rats event both magical and funny, and offered his condolences with a ‘Rest in Peace’ message.
Ian Henry, a friend and colleague, shared: ‘He was wonderful to be around – full of stories and incredibly funny. He had a remarkable career, and will always be remembered for his famous role as Charlie Slater in Eastenders. We’ll all miss him greatly.’
Martin married twice, first to Christine Rigg and then to Gloria Mitchell, but both marriages ended in divorce. He was the father of two sons, Jonathan and David.
Over his 15 years on the soap opera EastEnders, Charlie Slater became a hugely popular character, known for being at the center of many dramatic family storylines.
Oh my gosh, when Charlie first came to Albert Square, it was so sad – his wife Viv had just passed away. He didn’t stay heartbroken for long though! He actually had a little thing with Peggy Mitchell, can you believe it? But then, thankfully, he moved on and started dating Brenda Boyle, and honestly, they were just adorable together. I was totally rooting for them!
In 2004, he was imprisoned for three months after assaulting Graham Foster, the man who raped Little Mo, at The Queen Victoria pub. Alex McSweeney played the role of Graham Foster.
The taxi driver played a key role in a dramatic and controversial storyline from 2011. It involved the babies of Kat and Ronnie Branning being accidentally switched after one of the babies tragically died in its sleep.
After Kat blamed him for what happened, Charlie left the square. He’d left Tommy by himself to go out drinking, and now he was taking the blame for the consequences.
He occasionally appeared as a guest between 2011 and 2013, and then rejoined the show permanently shortly before he passed away in 2016.
In 2023, Martin turned 90 years old and celebrated the occasion with his sons, David and Jonathan.
The actor drew on personal experience – his son David’s struggle with depression – while portraying a character facing a similar challenge on screen. He has often discussed his son’s battle publicly.
In 2016, Stacey Branning, his great-niece, experienced severe mental health issues after giving birth, including psychosis and depression, while living in Walford.
I was dealing with the Stacey storyline at work, and when I got home, I found my son struggling with serious depression – something I’d been anxious about all day, as he previously shared with The Sun.
In 2022, Martin stated the ‘miserable’ soap needs to bring back its humorous side.
The actor believes the show should stop trying so hard to attract younger audiences and instead bring back some of the writers who worked on it previously.
He acknowledged that the show had drifted away from focusing on its original, central families – like the Slaters, Mitchells, and Fowlers.
As someone who keeps a close eye on what’s trending in entertainment, I’ve noticed a real shift in this show. It used to have a bit of everything – some lighthearted fun alongside the drama. Now, it feels like they’re really focused on attracting a younger audience, and honestly, it’s become much more about intense storylines – think conflicts and action – and less about those feel-good moments. It’s definitely a different vibe now.
Martin said: ‘You’ve got to have humour because there’s always something to laugh about in life.
EastEnders used to feature scenes of characters like Charlie, Patrick Trueman, and Jim Branning simply relaxing at the allotments with a few drinks, having everyday conversations. That felt realistic and is something the show needs more of.
I don’t have a problem with young people – they are the future. However, it feels like the BBC is changing EastEnders too much, making it more like Hollyoaks with all the young characters, constant affairs, and violence.
Outside of EastEnders he starred on Celebrity Coach Trip in 2012 with his co-star John Altman.
Martin’s family have asked for their ‘privacy to be respected at this difficult time’.
Sharon Henry, Derek Martin’s agent, announced with deep sorrow that he passed away on January 10, 2026.
‘For over 50 years, Derek was a truly authentic working-class voice in British television and film.
It was an honor to work with him throughout his impressive career, which included projects like ‘Law And Order’ for the BBC and two seasons of ‘The Governor’ produced by La Plante Productions. He was most beloved for playing Charlie Slater on ‘EastEnders,’ a role he truly enjoyed.
Derek was a loving father, a kind and giving person known for his charity work with the Water Rats, and an enthusiastic golfer. He was a truly good man who will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
An EastEnders spokesperson said: ‘We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Derek Martin.
I’ll never forget when Derek Thompson first appeared as Charlie Slater. He immediately became a firm favourite with all of us viewers, quickly establishing himself as the head of what is, without a doubt, one of EastEnders’ most memorable families. He just became Charlie, you know?
Charlie is a devoted family man, and Derek shared that same dedication to the people in his life. Everyone at EastEnders who worked with Derek loved him and will cherish his memory. We are sending our deepest sympathy to his family and friends.
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2026-01-22 19:06