Former EastEnders star Shaun Williamson has broken his silence after the death of soap legend Tony Caunter who played his on-screen father in the BBC soap
Shaun Williamson has paid a heartbreaking tribute to his former EastEnders co-star Tony Caunter following his death at the age of 88.
Tony Caunter, who was best known for his portrayal of Roy Evans on EastEnders, died peacefully at the age of 88 his family confirmed on Tuesday. The actor, who played the beloved car dealer between 1994 and 2003, was introduced as a romantic interest for Pat Butcher, played by Pam St Clement, and the pair eventually married on-screen.
In a statement to the PA news agency, his family 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.”
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The family also expressed gratitude for the care Caunter received in 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 iconic EastEnders star’s family ended the heartbreaking statement by requesting privacy “at this extremely difficult time.”
Now Shaun, 59, has paid tribute to his on-screen father in a heartfelt social media post. The former EastEnders actor wrote on Instagram this evening: “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.”
EastEnders bosses also released a statement adding: “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.
Fans have also paid tribute on social media following news of Tony’s sad death. One wrote on Twitter (X): “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.”
Someone else 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 said: “Very sad news. Roy was always a favourite of mine, and Tony an excellent actor.” A third added: “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 fan wrote: “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 added.
During his time on the soap, Caunter’s character featured in some of the show’s most memorable storylines, including Pat’s affair with ex-husband Frank Butcher, played by Mike Reid.
Caunter’s career spanned decades beyond EastEnders , with appearances in Pennies From Heaven , Tumbledown , Juliet Bravo , and the drama Boon .
Caunter was married to Frances Wallace for 63 years, and the couple had four children together.
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