EastEnders star Natalie Cassidy has shared a moving tribute to her late co-star and friend, Derek Martin, after a photo of them together resurfaced on her phone.
A Friendship That Shaped Her
The actress, 42, famed for playing Sonia Fowler on the BBC soap, posted the image on Instagram alongside an emotional message. She recalled how she and Derek, who played iconic cabbie Charlie Slater, got on "like a house on fire" during their time on the show together in the 2000s.
Natalie wrote that Martin was "always very very kind" to her and that he had also formed a friendship with her late father. She reflected on the unique nature of working in entertainment, where you "mix with all ages."
Gratitude for Older Generations
The former Strictly Come Dancing contestant then shared a poignant realisation about the cost of such cross-generational friendships. "It’s a truly wonderful thing but also I realise how many older friends I have lost because of it," she confessed.
She expressed profound gratitude, stating: "I’m so truly grateful for time I have spent with older generations. I think it has shaped me beyond belief!"
Fans quickly flooded the comments with support and their own memories of Derek Martin. One described him as a "good egg," while another recalled their mother seeing him in a local Tesco, always remarking on his lovely nature. A third fan told Natalie she was an "old soul," much like her character Sonia Fowler.
Remembering Derek Martin
Derek Martin, born Derek William Rapp, passed away on 10th January 2026 at the age of 92. His family announced the sad news on 11th January, remembering him as not just a dad but a friend who was "generous with his time."
His spokesperson highlighted a career spanning over 50 years, calling him a "truly authentic working-class voice in British television and film." While he appeared in shows like Law and Order, The Bill, and Only Fools and Horses, he was best known for his role as the head of the Slater family on EastEnders, a part he played full-time from 2000 to 2011.
A spokesperson for EastEnders said the show was "deeply saddened" by his passing, noting that his portrayal of Charlie Slater "instantly cemented him in the hearts of the audience." They added that, much like his character, Derek would do anything for those around him and was "deeply loved by all those that worked with him."
Derek Martin's career began as a stuntman on Doctor Who. After breaking his collarbone filming Elizabeth R, he turned his focus to acting, eventually landing the role that made him a household name to millions of soap fans.
