Derek Martin

Martin was born Derek William Rapp on 11 April 1933 in Bow, London, to Christina (née Jarvis) and William "Bill" Rapp.^[1][2] Before becoming an actor, he worked as a professional gambler, motor racer, meat‑market porter, and debt collector. He also undertook national service in the Royal Air Force.^[3]

Martin began his entertainment career as a stuntman on programmes including Doctor Who, but after breaking his collar bone filming the drama Elizabeth R (1971) he switched to acting. He appeared in the BBC television series Paul Temple and the ITV series The Governor. His film credits included Secrets of a Windmill Girl (1966), The Sex Thief (1973), Eskimo Nell (1975), Sex Express (aka Diversions) (1975), Adventures of a Plumber's Mate (1978), Ragtime (1981), Spaghetti House (1982), and Boston Kickout (1995).^[4]

In 1978 Martin co-starred with Peter Dean in the BBC television series Law & Order, playing Detective Inspector Fred Pyall. From 1981 to 1982 he played Det. Insp. Berwick in two series of the BBC drama The Chinese Detective. In 1982 he became the second actor to take on the role of R. D. Wingfield's fictional Detective Inspector Jack Frost, starring in a BBC radio adaptation of A Touch of Frost. In 1984 he appeared in an episode of the fifth series of Minder. The following year he was cast as the lead in King and Castle alongside Nigel Planer, which ran for two series until 1988. Devised and co-written by The Sweeney creator Ian Kennedy Martin, the drama featured Martin as former policeman Ronald King, now running a debt‑collection agency in London's East End. He later appeared in Eldorado as gangster Alex Morris. His other television work included guest roles in numerous programmes, among them a return to Doctor Who to play policeman David Mitchell in Image of the Fendahl (1977), The Sweeney episode "Messenger of the Gods" as the villain Spooner, Upstairs, Downstairs, The Bill and Only Fools and Horses. He also played himself in an episode of Little Britain and starred in the short film Piggy Bank (2004).^[5]

Martin began playing Charlie Slater in EastEnders in September 2000. In April 2010 it was announced that he had been cut from the show, along with five other actors.^[6] In early 2011 he filmed a guest stint, with Charlie returning for two episodes around April 2011.^[7] He returned for another two episodes at Christmas 2013. On 11 February 2015 it was reported that plans for Martin to return had been cancelled, but in October it was announced that he would make a brief appearance over the Christmas and New Year period. He made his final appearance in January 2016, in which his character died after suffering a fatal heart attack.^[8]

In January 2012, Martin won the third series of Celebrity Coach Trip, alongside his EastEnders co-star John Altman. From 2010 to 2011 Martin served as King Rat of the Grand Order of Water Rats, an entertainment-industry charity and fraternity.^[9]

Martin was married twice, first to Christine Rigg in 1961 and then to Gloria Mitchell in 1971; both marriages ended in divorce. He had twin sons in 1978, David (died January 2026) and Jonathan with his second wife.^[10] In February 2010 it was reported that he was due to undergo knee surgery later that year, a condition he attributed to old age, playing football, and carrying meat during his earlier work at Smithfield Meat Market.^[11] In his later years, Martin lived in Hatfield, Hertfordshire.^[12]

Martin died on the evening of 10 January 2026, at the age of 92.^[13] His death was announced on social media by a family friend.^[14] His agent later confirmed the news with a statement from Martin's family, saying that "He wasn't just a dad to us, he was a friend and supported us through our highs and lows" [...] adding, "He never stopped learning, he loved meeting people and was always generous with his time."^[15]

EastEnders also paid tribute to Martin on their social media pages, saying they were "deeply saddened to hear of his passing", describing his portrayal of Charlie Slater as instantly cementing him in the hearts of the audience, as the head of one of EastEnders' most iconic families.^[16] Michelle Ryan, who played Martin's on-screen daughter in the soap, also paid tribute, describing him as "such a friendly man, always ready with a story and practical advice".^[17]