EastEnders icon Tony Caunter has passed away at the age of 88.
The actor was best known for his role of Roy Evans in the BBC soap from 1994 through to 2003. He was part of some memorable storylines including his marriage to Pat, and then discovering her affair with Frank Butcher.
EastEnders shared a tribute to him on their social media, writing: “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.
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“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.”
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Shaun Williamson, who played his son Barry Evans, also shared a sweet tribute to him, posting a picture of them together.
“RIP Tony Caunter,” he captioned the image. “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.”
Commenting on the soap’s tribute on Instagram, Patsy Palmer said: “Beautiful memories of a beautiful man. So kind and funny in a time when my career was full of creativity and kindness and freedom. God bless you.”
Dean Gaffney simply wrote “Legend” while Michelle Collins added: “Lovely man ! Xxx.”
The sad news was announced by Tony’s family, who said in a statement: “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.”
EastEnders airs on Mondays-Thursdays at 7.30pm on BBC One. The show also streams on BBC iPlayer, where most episodes drop early at 6am ahead of their TV broadcast.
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