A true television legend has taken his final bow, and fans across the world are in tears… See more

Derek Martin built an extraordinary career from a beginning that was far removed from the world of television. Before becoming widely recognized by British audiences, Martin experienced a remarkably varied working life that included jobs as a meat porter, professional gambler, and stuntman. Those unusual experiences became part of the story behind an actor who would eventually spend decades entertaining audiences on one of Britain’s best-known television programs.

Martin became especially familiar to millions of viewers through his role as Charlie Slater in EastEnders. The character was introduced as a strong-willed family man with a complicated personality, and Martin brought a distinctive combination of toughness, warmth, humor, and vulnerability to the role. Over time, Charlie became an important part of the Slater family storyline and a recognizable figure in the show’s long history