Tony Caunter dead: EastEnders legend dies aged 88 as tributes pour in

Actor Tony Caunter, who played Roy Evans in the popular BBC soap EastEnders, has died at the age of 88 years old. A statement from his family reads: A statement from Caunter's family to the PA news agency 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."

They 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."

They signed off saying they request privacy "at this extremely difficult time".

EastEnders fans will remember Tony played Roy Evans in the soap between 1994 and 2003, and was best known for being a car dealer in a relationship with Albert Square icon Pat Butcher (played by Pam St Clement).

EastEnders bosses also issued a touching tribute to the late star, 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 for 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."

His fans have also flocked to social media to pay tribute to Tony, with one writing: "Sad to hear Tony Caunter has died, he was better known for playing Roy Evans."