EastEnders star Tony Caunter died ‘peacefully’ aged 88 this week, with his family announcing the heartbreaking news in a statement
EastEnders legend Tony Caunter died over a week after his wife of 63 years died. Tributes poured in for the 88-year-old actor after his family announced the heartbreaking news in a statement, revealing he “died peacefully” this week as they thanked the NHS for their “incredible care”.
He was best known for his portrayal of the character Roy Evans between 1994 and 2003, with the car dealer brought in as a romantic interest for Pat Butcher, played by Pam St Clement, before the pair tied the knot in the soap. During his time playing Roy, one of the headline-making EastEnders storylines involved Pat’s affair with her ex, Frank Butcher, played by Mike Reid.
In the announcement for his death, his family revealed he died eight days after his wife, Frances Wallace, with whom he married in 1962. The two had four children together.
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He was taken care of by the staff at Eastbourne District General Hospital during his final hours and spent his final two months at the Eastbourne Gardens nursing home.
His family said in a statement to the PA news agency: “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 continued: “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 concluded their statement requesting privacy “at this extremely difficult time”.
EastEnders bosses also shared a statement, 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.
“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 poignant statement concluded.
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Source: Mirror
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