it was announced on 3 november 2013 that charlie would be making a brief return to screens over the christmas period. martin was revealed to have already filmed his return and would appear in one episode in december. details surrounding charlie's reason to return was being kept secret from the public, but was tipped to involve his daughter, kat. a show spokesperson confirmed martin's return. speaking of his return, martin said: "it was wonderful to go back after all this time. i got a call saying they wanted me to do an episode for christmas. i walked into the queen vic on my first day and it was like i'd never left." spoiler pictures showing charlie's return was released on 8 december. the pictures showed kat and her husband, alfie, celebrating their final day in charge of the queen victoria, with mo joining them alongside charlie. on 22 december 2013, martin revealed that he wants a permanent return to "eastenders" following his guest return at christmas, which was said to last two episodes, "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." charlie's return scenes aired on 24 and 25 december 2013, with 7.65 million tuning in to watch on 24 december and 8.60 million on 25 december. lacey turner, who plays charlie's great niece stacey branning, expressed an interest in charlie and her on-screen mother, jean (gillian wright) returning, "having scenes with the slaters is my favourite thing, though. it would be great if we could get derek martin and gillian wright back."