'EastEnders' Derek Martin admits knee agony

Derek Martin has spoken of the pain he suffered during his time on EastEnders.

The actor - Charlie Slater in the BBC soap - told the Daily Mail that he had to rely on painkillers to ease the pain caused by arthritis.

However, the 78-year-old, who was diagnosed with osteoarthritis in 1981, revealed that he has had two knee replacements since leaving the show earlier this year.

"My knees have been killing me for years. I wish I'd done this sooner," he admitted. "Sometimes I'd need painkillers from the on-set paramedics. I was in agony, but I'd make a joke of it.

"I just hated the idea of going under the knife. I was also committed to my filming schedule and didn't want to stop for a minute."

Martin underwent surgery on his left knee last April. "When I came round I felt awful and couldn't eat for four days," he said. "My knee felt very sore. After two days the physiotherapist had me out of bed, all wobbly and unsure, on two sticks. On day six I was allowed home.

"I went back to EastEnders at that point and a runner followed me round with a chair and my sticks."

However, Martin insisted that he is not going to slow down: "I've got a lot of living to do and a lot of golf to play, and I want to continue acting - so my new knees have got to keep on working."

Martin makes a brief return to Albert Square as Charlie Slater tonight on BBC One from 7.30pm.

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