Derek Martin: 'Cast members want me back on soap'

Derek Martin has revealed that his former co-stars are keen to have him back on the soap.

The 80-year-old said that Jessie Wallace - who plays his on-screen daughter Kat - and Shane Richie have been pleading with the show's producers for Martin's return.
The actor starred as Walford cab driver Charlie Slater from 2000 to 2011, before briefly returning to the role last Christmas.
He told The Sunday Mirror: "The show misses the older characters. 
"Everyone, including Shane and Jessie, have been asking them upstairs, 'When can we have Derek?' and Dominic [Treadwell-Collins] has said he will see how it goes."
Martin previously expressed his desire to permanently return to EastEnders when he reprised his role for the three-episode stint in December.
He said: "Who knows, if Charlie goes down well this Christmas, maybe it will all become more permanent. Nothing's been said but I can't help hoping."