The EastEnders family is in mourning following the death of actor Tony Caunter, best known for playing Roy Evans on the BBC soap.
The news comes just eight days after the passing of his wife of 63 years, Fran, marking a heartbreaking end to a remarkable life both on and off screen.
Pam St Clement Pays Heartfelt Tribute
Tony’s former on-screen wife, Pam St Clement, who famously played Pat Butcher, shared a moving tribute.
She described Tony as a “true gentleman” and said she was deeply saddened by the news of his passing.
In a statement to The Sun, 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.”
The pair shared many memorable storylines together, with Roy Evans and Pat Butcher famously navigating one of Walford’s most beloved soap opera romances.
A Life Well Lived On and Off Screen
Tony joined EastEnders in 1994 as car dealer Roy, appearing in over 634 episodes across nine years.
He brought warmth, humour, and a touch of romance to Walford, especially remembered for his playful teasing of Pat over her iconic earrings.
A statement from his family reflected the profound loss:
“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 also thanked the NHS staff at Eastbourne District General Hospital and the team at Eastbourne Gardens nursing home for their care and compassion during Tony’s final months.
EastEnders Remembers Roy Evans
EastEnders issued a heartfelt tribute to Tony, praising his warmth, kindness, and humour. The statement read:
“Tony will forever be loved and respected by everyone at EastEnders.
He will be 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.”
From RAF Service to Stage and Screen
Tony’s acting career began after serving in the Royal Air Force.
He studied drama at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) and started on stage with the Farnham Repertory Company from 1966 to 1969, later performing with the Theatre Royal in Windsor between 1984 and 1989.
His screen debut came in 1962, and he went on to play numerous supporting roles in TV shows, frequently portraying police officers.
Some of his notable appearances include The Avengers, Casualty, London’s Burning, Home to Roost, The Professionals, and even playing Chief Officer Henry Wilde in S.O.S. Titanic.
Fans may also remember him from classic Doctor Who stories, including The Crusade (1965), Colony in Space (1971), and Enlightenment (1983).
Retirement and Later Life
Tony retired from acting in 2016 and spent his later years living in East Sussex, enjoying a quieter life after decades on stage and screen.
His passing leaves a legacy of memorable performances and cherished memories among colleagues, friends, and fans.
A Lasting Legacy
With a career spanning more than five decades, Tony Caunter’s contributions to British television and theatre remain unforgettable.
His on-screen romance with Pat Butcher, his professionalism, and his warmth as a colleague have left an indelible mark on the hearts of fans and co-stars alike.