in april 2014, martin revealed that cast members, including jessie wallace (kat) and shane richie (alfie), have asked producers on various occasions whether martin can return to the soap on a permanent basis. he commented, "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." in october 2014, it was announced that there was a possibility martin would be returning to the show in early 2015. despite martin telling the "daily star" that he would be returning for a handful of episodes for an unknown storyline, an "eastenders" spokesperson said the return was to be finalised. the spokesperson said: "it hasn't been confirmed if derek will be returning, as it is still a little while off yet as we are still at the planning stages." martin did not return to the show as previously rumoured.