Michelle Ryan, who performs Zoe Slater on EastEnders, led tributes with a touching selfie after information broke that cleaning soap favorite Derek Martin had sadly died aged 92

Zoe Slater star Michelle Ryan has led tributes after EastEnders legend Derek Martin died aged 92, sharing an emotional selfie in honour of her on-screen dad and grandad.

The actress, who performed Zoe Slater within the BBC cleaning soap, was among the many first to mark the heartbreaking information after Derek — who portrayed cabbie Charlie Slater — handed away over the weekend.

She penned alongside a makeup-free selfie: “So unhappy to listen to the information that Derek Martin has handed away. He was a such a pleasant man, all the time prepared with a narrative and sensible recommendation, for instance how weak tea is sweet for shock. RIP Derek. Condolences to his family and friends.”

Alongside her submit, followers flooded in with emotional messages as viewers remembered each the actor and the long-lasting character he dropped at life. One added: “Charlie was a stunning type character and I can think about Derek was equally as beautiful. Sending love Michelle.”

A 3rd fan posted: “I solely know him as Charlie, however I’m guessing he was an exquisite man, a sort human and a fantastic actor. Sorry in your loss x.”

Others additionally shared their unhappiness, with one saying: “All the time unhappy studying we have misplaced one other individual and actor who has performed a component in our rising up. God blessed him with a few years. Rip.” One other wrote: “Unhappy to listen to this, relaxation in peace to Derek, I hope you’ve got an important week Michelle!”

Derek Martin died in hospital on Saturday night time, January 10, aged 92. His dying was confirmed in a Fb submit from a household buddy which learn: “It’s with deepest remorse to announce that Derek Martin / Derek Rapp. Age of 92. At 7pm this night Derek has sadly handed away in Hospital about an hour in the past. My Mum and his Son David was with Derek the entire time.”

The message continued: “Derek was really an incredible one who was very gifted within the filming business and plenty of different issues. An important man, Father of two Sons & a improbable household buddy. We’ll miss you Derek. RIP.”

Tributes additionally poured in from the leisure world. Ian Richards, from the Grand Order of Water Rats charity, wrote: “So very unhappy to listen to of the passing of PKR Derek Martin, ‘king of the eggs’, if you realize, you realize.” He added: “A genuinely heat and humorous man who’s firm all the time had me rolling in laughter, his huge charity work, largely unreported, however by no means dismissed by those that knew him effectively. RIP Derek the world is a sadder place with out you.”

Ian Henry added: “It was a pleasure to be in his firm. He had so many tales and was a really humorous man. He achieved a lot in his lengthy and distinguished profession, not least his iconic portrayal of Charlie Slater in EastEnders for therefore a few years. His presence might be sorely missed.”

Steve Hewlett additionally wrote: “Derek Martin might be really missed. He made my Water Rats visits magical and hilarious. RIP sir.”

Derek performed Charlie Slater for 15 years, turning into one in every of Walford’s most beloved faces as dad to Kat, Lynne, Little Mo and Belinda. His character was killed off in a dramatic storyline after struggling a deadly coronary heart assault throughout a heated row with Kat.

Away from Albert Sq., Derek appeared in exhibits together with Physician Who, Solely Fools and Horses, The Invoice and Regulation and Order, in addition to a string of movies.

Reflecting on his profession, he as soon as mentioned: “I had all the time been an enormous movie fan for so long as I can bear in mind… That was my begin.” He later added: “Nonetheless I’m finest identified for the numerous years I used to be Charlie Slater within the lengthy operating cleaning soap EastEnders.”

Now, followers and former co-stars alike are mourning the lack of a real cleaning soap legend.

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