EastEnders star Shaun Williamson has paid tribute to his on-screen father Tony Caunter, who has died at the age of 88, just eight days after his wife Fran passed away

Tony Caunter, famed for bringing Roy Evans to life on EastEnders, passed away peacefully aged 88, his family announced on Tuesday. The veteran actor, who portrayed the cherished motor trader from 1994 to 2003, was brought in as a love interest for Pat Butcher, played by Pam St Clement, with the couple later tying the knot in Albert Square.

Speaking to the PA news agency, his relatives revealed: “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 those who cared for Caunter during his final weeks: “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.”

The beloved EastEnders legend’s family concluded their moving statement by asking for privacy “at this extremely difficult time.”

Shaun, 59, has now taken to social media to share a touching tribute to his on-screen dad. reports the Mirror. The ex-EastEnders star penned on Instagram: “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.”

The bosses at EastEnders also issued a heartfelt statement saying: “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,” the moving statement concluded.

Fans have also been paying their respects on social media following the news of Tony’s tragic passing. One fan tweeted: “I’ve been watching 1998-2000 recently and Roy was one of the best characters. Always down on his luck but such a brilliant character! Sad to hear Tony Caunter has passed away.”

Another added: “RIP Tony Caunter, I was lucky enough to meet him a few years ago at a signing and he was one of the sweetest and nicest men I’ve met. Very sad.”

Another mourned: “Very sad news. Roy was always a favourite of mine, and Tony an excellent actor.”

A third reflected: “Sad news RIP Tony… Roy didn’t half put up with a lot of rubbish with his son Barry causing him trouble and Pat cheating with Frank. He was in a great era of the show.”

Another EastEnders devotee penned: “Tony Caunter was a reliable TV face, equally comfortable on either side of the law: always extremely dependable. That he was then rewarded with household name status in Eastenders was a deserved cherry on his acting cake. I visited at home some years back and he was lovely. RIP.”

“We’ve lost another versatile character actor Tony will be best remembered for his long running stint on EastEnders as Roy Evans. Among his many other credits Tony appeared in Doctor Who 3 times. R.I.P. Tony Caunter,” someone else reflected.

Throughout his tenure on the BBC soap, Caunter’s character was central to some of the programme’s most gripping storylines, notably Pat’s betrayal with former husband Frank Butcher, portrayed by Mike Reid.

Beyond Albert Square, Caunter’s illustrious career stretched across numerous decades, featuring roles in Pennies From Heaven, Tumbledown, Juliet Bravo, and the drama series Boon.

The actor shared 63 years of marriage with Frances Wallace, and together they raised four children.