The veteran performer passed away peacefully in hospital on Friday night, with his devastated family confirming the news in a statement released through his agent. They described him as “not just a dad, but a friend”, adding that he supported them through both highs and lows and would be “missed terribly”.
His agent Sharon Henry also paid a heartfelt tribute, confirming that Derek died on January 10, 2026. She said it had been a “privilege” to work alongside him during a career that spanned more than five decades, calling him “a truly authentic working-class voice in British television and film”.
She added that while Derek was best known for his long-running role on EastEnders, his career also included highlights such as Law & Order for the BBC and two series of The Governor. “Derek was a devoted father, a generous member of the Water Rats, an avid golfer and an all-around good man who will be greatly missed,” she said.
Derek’s journey into acting was far from conventional. He began his career as a stuntman on programmes including Doctor Who, but was forced to abandon the role after breaking his collarbone during filming in 1971. He then turned to acting, quickly building a reputation with film roles in Secrets of a Windmill Girl and a string of 1970s comedies, before becoming a familiar face on British television.
His most iconic role came in 2000, when he arrived in Albert Square as Charlie Slater, the tough but big-hearted cab driver who quickly became the head of one of EastEnders’ most recognisable families. Derek remained on the soap until 2011, later returning briefly in 2013 and again in 2016, when his character was killed off after suffering a fatal heart attack.
An EastEnders spokesperson said the show was “deeply saddened” by his passing, praising Derek for instantly cementing Charlie Slater “in the hearts of the audience” and describing him as deeply loved by cast and crew alike.
Charlie Slater was central to some of the soap’s most harrowing storylines, including attacking his daughter Little Mo’s abuser, supporting Kat through years of trauma, and acting as a father figure to Stacey Slater during her battle with bipolar disorder.
In later years, Derek became outspoken about the direction of the show, admitting in 2022 that he felt EastEnders had lost its humour. He famously said the soap needed more laughter, arguing that everyday life was about “sitting around, having a beer, talking nonsense” just as much as drama.
Born Derek William Rapp in Bow, East London, in 1933, he lived a life as colourful as his career. Before acting, he worked as a professional gambler, motor racer and even a debt collector, and he also served in the Royal Air Force during his national service.
Derek celebrated his 90th birthday in 2023 surrounded by family and friends, including his two sons, David and Jonathan. He later revealed that his decision to return to EastEnders in 2016 was influenced by his real-life experiences supporting his son through severe depression — a storyline he said mirrored his own life painfully closely.
Calling for greater awareness of mental health, Derek once said depression was “frightening because you can’t see it”, adding that more needed to be done by the NHS and the government to bring the issue into the open.
He leaves behind a powerful legacy, not just as a soap icon, but as a man who used his platform to speak honestly about family, humour, and mental health.
