Tragic Double Loss for EastEnders Family
In a heartbreaking turn of events, David Rapp, son of beloved EastEnders star Derek Martin, has passed away just days after his father's death at the age of 92. The devastating news was confirmed by the BBB Talent Agency, where David worked representing various television stars, models, and musicians across Scotland.
Father and Son's Final Moments Together
David was with his father when the veteran actor passed away earlier this month in hospital. A poignant social media post from the talent agency revealed the double tragedy, describing David as 'the gentle giant whose heart was as big as he was' and expressing profound grief at losing both men in such quick succession.
The statement continued: 'Devastating news today. Just after losing his father. David has also passed away. I couldn't have wished for a better friend or workmate. Rest in peace, David Rapp you will be missed! BBB HQ will never be the same.' No cause of death has been shared for either man.
Remembering Derek Martin's Legacy
Derek Martin, best known for his 15-year portrayal of taxi driver Charlie Slater on the BBC soap, died just over a week ago. The actor, who launched his career without formal training after leaving Smithfield Meat Market in 1962, became one of British television's most recognisable working-class voices.
His sons David and Jonathan released a touching tribute following their father's passing: 'Derek wasn't just a dad to us he was a friend and supported us through our highs and lows. He never stopped learning, he loved meeting people and was always generous with his time. We both miss him terribly.'
From Butcher to Beloved Soap Star
Martin's journey to stardom was unconventional. Born in Bow, east London in April 1933, he worked various jobs including National Service in the Royal Air Force, road digging, factory work, motor racing, and professional gambling before finding his calling. He secured his first agent by visiting a Soho café frequented by actors.
His acting career began as a stuntman on Doctor Who, but after breaking his collarbone during filming for Elizabeth R in 1971, he transitioned to regular acting roles. Over five decades, Martin appeared in numerous television series including:
- Z-Cars and Softly Softly
- The Sweeney and Minder
- Bergerac and The Bill
- Law and Order (as Detective Inspector Fred Pyle)
- King and Castle (as Ronald King)
- The Governor (as Gary Marshall)
The Iconic Charlie Slater
Martin's most famous role came in 2000 when he joined EastEnders as Charlie Slater, the mild-mannered taxi driver who arrived in Walford with his mother-in-law Mo Harris and four daughters: Lynne, Kat, Little Mo, and Zoe. The character became the devoted, protective patriarch of the predominantly female Slater family, earning immense audience affection.
Charlie Slater was involved in numerous dramatic storylines during his 15 years on the soap, including:
- A brief romance with landlady Peggy Mitchell
- A three-month prison sentence for attacking his daughter's rapist
- The controversial 2011 baby swap storyline involving Kat and Ronnie Branning
The character departed Walford in 2016 after suffering a fatal heart attack off-screen, though Martin made occasional guest appearances until 2013.
Life Beyond the Screen
Away from acting, Martin was passionate about golf and football, and served as a dedicated member of the Grand Order of Water Rats, an entertainment charity founded in 1889. He held the prestigious role of 'King Rat' from 2010 to 2011.
Fellow Water Rats members paid heartfelt tributes, with former King Rat Ian Richards describing Martin as 'a genuinely warm and funny man' whose charity work was 'largely unreported, but never dismissed by those who knew him well.'
Ventriloquist Steve Hewlett added: 'Derek Martin will be truly missed. He made my Water Rats visits magical and hilarious.'
Personal Challenges and Professional Insights
Martin spoke openly about his son David's battle with depression, revealing how he drew parallels with his character's experiences on screen. In 2016, while filming storylines about postpartum psychosis and depression involving his character's great-niece Stacey Branning, Martin was simultaneously supporting David through severe depression.
In recent years, Martin had expressed concerns about EastEnders' direction, suggesting the soap needed to rediscover its humorous elements and focus less on appealing exclusively to younger viewers. He lamented the loss of lighter moments between older characters, stating: 'You've got to have humour because there's always something to laugh about in life.'
Industry Tributes Pour In
An EastEnders spokesperson said: 'We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Derek Martin. From the moment he arrived, 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.'
'Charlie would do anything for his family, and much like his character, Derek would do the same for those around him. Derek was deeply loved by all those that worked with him at EastEnders and will always be remembered with great fondness.'
Martin's agent, Sharon Henry, confirmed his passing on 10th January 2026, describing him as 'a truly authentic working-class voice in British television and film' and 'a devoted father, a generous member of the charitable Water Rats, avid golfer and all-around good man who will be greatly missed.'
The family has requested privacy during this difficult time as they mourn both Derek Martin and his son David Rapp, whose deaths have left the entertainment community and soap fans across the nation in mourning.
