EastEnders star Michelle Ryan pays emotional tribute to on-screen father Derek Martin after he passed away aged 92

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Michelle Ryan, known for her role on EastEnders, shared a heartfelt message remembering her co-star Derek Martin, who sadly died on Saturday at the age of 92. He played her on-screen father.

Michelle Keegan, 41, known for her role as Zoe Slater on the BBC series, fondly recalled the late actor who played her on-screen father, Charlie Slater, and his character as a loving dad and taxi driver.

I was so saddened to hear about the loss of this incredible star, and I wanted to share my condolences. I posted a photo of myself on Instagram along with my message, just wanting to express how much they meant to so many of us.

‘So sad to hear the news that Derek Martin has passed away,’ she wrote.

Derek was a wonderfully kind man who always had a story to tell and helpful advice to share – he even believed weak tea could help someone in shock! He will be deeply missed. Our thoughts are with his friends and family.

Michelle was a regular character on the soap opera EastEnders between 2000 and 2005. Fans were surprised and delighted to see her return in June 2025, reprising the role after a 20-year absence.

Derek is remembered by his sons, David and Jonathan, who shared that he was more than just a father to them – he was a friend who always supported them through good times and bad.

He was a lifelong learner who enjoyed connecting with others and always made time to help. We miss him deeply.

Martin acted in many different parts throughout his fifty-year career, but he’ll always be remembered as Charlie Slater on EastEnders, a role he played for fifteen years.

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.

Everyone loved the kind taxi driver because he was a loving and protective father figure to the Slater family, who were mostly women.

Martin, born in Bow, East London in April 1933, played a character who died of a heart attack on the show in 2016.

EastEnders expressed deep sadness at the news of the actor’s passing. They noted that, like his character Derek on the show, he was a devoted family man who would go to great lengths for those he cared about.

Martin has talked 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 – everything from road construction and factory work to motor racing and even professional gambling.

He eventually achieved his dream job, explaining that he’d been a lifelong movie enthusiast. Growing up in London’s East End, he fondly remembered a childhood filled with trips to the many local cinemas, often going three times a week as a young man.

The actor, before he passed away, shared that he got an agent by visiting a café in Soho, a popular spot for actors.

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 into 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.

Besides his work on television, Martin loved playing golf and football. He was also a proud member of the Grand Order of Water Rats, a charitable and social organization for entertainers that began in 1889.

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2026-01-12 22:05