derek martin had previously auditioned for the roles of den watts and frank butcher in the 1980s and was shortlisted for both roles, but was ultimately unsuccessful. he requested to screen-test for the role of charlie in 2000. he was successful and offered a contract with the soap for a minimum of three years, with potential for longer. martin described playing charlie as "comfortable", like putting on an "old coat" and stated in 2002 that he would like to stay with "eastenders" until he dies. he described charlie as an easy-going family man. the "eastenders" website calls charlie "mild mannered" and the rock that keeps the slater family together, as well as "positive as long as his family's round him." he was also described as a 'devoted dad'. in 2009 it was announced that martin would take a break from the series. his temporary departure storyline saw charlie run away with his new love interest, brenda boyle (carmel cryan), however bbc confirmed that he would return in a "few weeks time". the storyline involved charlie jumping in front of a bus to stop her from emigrating to madeira. a spokesperson said, "charlie's move is only temporary and that he will return soon. his heart remains in walford." it was reported in february 2010 that martin's real-life knee surgery would be scripted into the show. he said, "my operation will probably be in the middle of may and then hopefully you'll see charlie on crutches". martin's operation was in april 2010 and martin revealed, "i went back to "eastenders" at that point and a runner followed me round with a chair and my sticks." although charlie was never seen on crutches, he had a limp in episodes broadcast in april 2011.