Tony Caunter as Roy Evans on EastEnders / BBC
Former EastEnders star Tony Caunter has died at the age of 88, it has been announced.
The actor played the part of the loveable Roy Evans – husband of Pat (Pam St Clement) – on the soap from 1994 to 2003 and was involved in the infamous storyline that saw Pat have an affair with Frank (Mike Reid), who was cheating on Peggy (Barbara Windsor).
Caunter’s death came just eight days after that of his wife of 63 years, Fran, his family said in a statement.
It read: “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.
“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.”
A statement from EastEnders said: “It is with great sadness that we learn of the passing of Tony Caunter.
“Tony 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.
“Roy will always be remembered for his great love of Pat, despite him famously declaring his distaste in her choice of earrings, which gave us all one of Walford’s greatest love affairs.
“Tony will never be forgotten by all those who worked alongside him for many years and everyone at EastEnders sends their love and condolences to Tony’s family and friends.”
