Derek Harkinson

Name: Derek Harkinson
First Appeared: 29th November 2001
Last Appeared: 27th July 2017
Played by: Ian Lavender

An old school friend of Pauline Fowler, Derek Harkinson settled quickly into Walford when he arrived and became a fixture in the community, bringing with him a knack for getting involved in everyone’s business. With his easy-going nature and penchant for a good chat, Derek was the kind of guy who could make friends with anyone, even the notoriously grumpy Pauline.

Derek’s worked at the community centre, where he quickly became a father figure to Martin Fowler. Teaching Martin to drive and offering sage advice, Derek filled a void left by Arthur Fowler’s passing. But it wasn’t all smooth sailing; Derek’s revelation that he was gay had quite the effect on Pauline. Despite the initial shock, Pauline’s acceptance of Derek’s sexuality only strengthened their bond, proving that true friendship knows no bounds.

Life in Walford is never without its drama, and Derek had his fair share. From his run-ins with the law to his various romantic entanglements, Derek’s time in the Square was anything but dull. His relationship with his children, Alex and Mary, was particularly poignant, highlighting the struggles of a father trying to reconnect with his estranged family.

In 2016, Derek made a triumphant return to Albert Square, just in time to join the Walford Players for their Christmas pantomime. His enthusiasm for the role of a pantomime horse was infectious, even if the performance itself was a bit of a disaster. But that’s Derek for you—always ready to dive headfirst into the chaos with a smile on his face. His interactions with Kathy Beale and the rest of the cast brought a much-needed dose of humour to the Square, reminding everyone that sometimes, it’s the little things that bring the most joy.