Michelle Ryan has paid an emotional tribute to her former EastEnders co-star Derek Martin, who passed away at the age of 92. The actress, who played Zoe Slater on the BBC soap, took to Instagram on Monday to remember Martin, describing him as a 'friendly man' always ready with a story and practical advice.
Martin died on 10 January 2026, with his family confirming the news in a statement via his agent. His family said: '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.'
Martin was best known for playing Charlie Slater, the patriarch of the Slater family, from 2000 to 2011. In one of EastEnders' most memorable twists, it was revealed that Charlie was actually the grandfather of Michelle Ryan's character Zoe, after Kat Slater confessed she was Zoe's mother.
A spokesperson for EastEnders 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.'
Beyond EastEnders, Martin appeared in shows such as The Bill, Only Fools and Horses, Little Britain, and Law & Order. He began his career as a stuntman on Doctor Who before focusing on acting. He was a devoted father, a member of the charitable Water Rats, and an avid golfer.
