Derek Harkinson

Derek Harkinson was a fictional character in the BBC Soap opera EastEnders. He was played by Ian Lavender. He first appeared in 2001.

Derek was a childhood friend of Pauline Fowler. He reappeared in her life through her involvement in the Community Theatre. Pauline made a play for him but he revealed he was gay. They decided to stay friends and Derek moved in with Pauline, becoming a new father figure for Martin. He helped out with the fruit and veg stall, taught Martin how to drive, and took the blame when Martin was growing cannabis at the allotment. Derek got in touch with his estranged son and daughter, Alex and Mary, and Alex's son Danny. He had a long string of arguments with Pauline in 2005 and went to live with Alex.