Lorraine Kelly paused Wednesday’s show to pay an emotional tribute to an acting ‘legend’.
During the latest instalment, Lorraine, 65, shared her condolences after it was announced that actor Tony Caunter, who played Roy Evans in EastEnders, had died at the age of 88.
Tony played the iconic character from 1994 to 2003 on the BBC One soap, with the car dealer a love interest for the character of Pat Butcher, played by Pam St Clement, with the couple later marrying as part of the soap storyline.
A statement from Caunter’s family 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”, adding their request for privacy “at this extremely difficult time”.
Talking about the heartbreaking news on Wednesday’s Lorraine, the ITV show played a montage of Tony’s best moments on screen.
Lorraine said: “Tributes pouring in after EastEnders legend, and he was a legend, Tony Caunter who played Roy Evans of course, died on Monday he was aged 88 and it was just eight days after losing his wife Frances. Our thoughts, of course, are with his family.
“He stole the nation’s hearts when he married Pat Butcher, you know that was back in 1996, and we still remember it so well.”
EastEnders fans will recall that Tony’s character Roy had several explosive storylines over the years, including Pat’s affair with her ex, Frank Butcher, played by Mike Reid.
His on-screen son was car dealer Barry Evans, played by Shaun Williamson, who was pushed off a cliff in a dramatic episode of the British soap.
Tony’s other acting roles included Pennies From Heaven, Tumbledown, and TV series Juliet Bravo.
Lorraine continues on weekdays at 9am on ITV and ITV X.
