Gemma McCluskie's brother Tony McCluskie appeared at Thames Magistrates' Court yesterday and was remanded in custody.
The 35-year-old, from Hackney in London, is accused of murdering the former EastEnders star and dumping her body in a local canal.
Gemma, 29 - who played Kerry Skinner in 30 episodes of the BBC soap in 2001 - went missing after attending the opening of the Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel.
A limbless and headless female torso found on Tuesday 6 March was later identified as the actress.
Gemma shared a Bethnal Green maisonette with her brother and mother Pauline, 56, who is reported to be battling cancer in hospital.
SOAP FILE The latest EastEnders news>>
PHOTO GALLERY EastEnders cast party for Sid Owen's birthday>>
SEE PICTURES The EastEnders cast attend premiere of new film Four in London>>
SEE PICTURES Inside Soap Awards 2011: EastEnders scoops five titles>>
