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Derek Martin has revealed that EastEnders bosses are writing his real-life knee complaint into storylines ahead of surgery later this year.
The actor, who plays Walford's Charlie Slater, told the PA that he hopes viewers in a similar situation will be helped by its televisation.
"My operation will probably be in the middle of May and then hopefully you'll see Charlie on crutches," the 76-year-old said, going on to praise the BBC soap for tackling real issues.
"It makes people aware of things that happen. They watch it and think, 'Oh, that happened to someone I know', and if they go to the doctors or hospital they'll hopefully be cured."
Martin said his knee troubles were caused by old age, playing football and lugging meat around London's Smithfield Meat Market, where he used to work.
