The Roy Evans actor passed away just eight days after his wife of 63 years
Tony Caunter was a fan favourite on Albert Square(Image: BBC)
EastEnders aired a tribute to the BBC soap’s late star Tony Caunter nearly a week on from his passing.
The Roy Evans actor passed away at the age of 88 on Tuesday (October 14), just eight days after his wife died, his family confirmed.
The actor, who is best known for having played Roy Evans in the BBC One soap, died at the age of 88, his family announced on Tuesday (October 14).
A statement from Caunter’s family to the PA news agency said: “It is with enormous sadness that we bring the curtain down on our wonderful and hugely loved father, Tony Caunter, who died peacefully yesterday evening, just eight days after his beloved wife of 63 years, Fran, also passed away.
“Dad was 88 years old. After a long and fulfilling life on and off screen and stage, Tony leaves a daughter and three sons, seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He will be missed by all.”
The family added: “We would like to thank the NHS staff at Eastbourne District General Hospital for their incredible care during his final hours, and to everyone at Eastbourne Gardens nursing home for the care and compassion they have given dad over the past two months.”
Tony’s family concluded their statement by asking the public to respect their privacy ‘at this extremely difficult time’.
Playing Roy from 1994 to 2003, Tony’s car dealer was a popular love interest of Pam St Clement’s Pat Butcher.
(Image: BBC)
Eventually tying the knot, Roy and Pat’s relationship was rocked after she had a heated affair with her ex, Frank Butcher, played by Mike Reid.
Leading the tributes to Tony following news of his passing, Pam said: “I am very saddened to hear of Tony’s passing. He was not only a lovely man, but a true gentleman to work with.”
His onscreen son Shaun Williamson, who played Barry Evans, said on social media: “RIP Tony Caunter. He was like a second father to me and taught me so much about acting and life. A great actor and a great man. I will miss him so much.”
EastEnders social media channels said it was ‘great sadness’ to learn of Tony’s passing, saying he ‘will forever be loved and respected by everyone at EastEnders for his warmth, kindness and humour as well as being greatly remembered by all those at home who instantly took Roy to their hearts’.
In scenes aired on the BBC soap on Monday night (October 20), fans were left stunned when Nigel Bates’ accidentally hit Jasmine with his car.
Receiving the ‘duff duff’ treatment, a tribute in white writing against a black background in honour of Tony was displayed after the credits finished rolling.
It read: “In loving memory of Tony Caunter 1937-2025.”
Meanwhile, last week also saw Zoe Slater actress Michelle Ryan, who returned to the soap this year, with a tribute after learning of his passing.
“So sad to read that Tony Caunter has passed away. He was such a lovely man, a true gentleman and so talented. Condolences to his family,” she wrote.
