EASTENDERS have paid tribute to the star known for playing car dealer Roy Evans on the popular soap.
Actor Tony Caunter sadly died at the age of 88 yesterday evening, his family announced.
Caunter played the character of Roy Evans from 1994 to 2003, who was a love interest for the character of Pat Butcher – played by Pam St Clement.
A statement from EastEnders said: "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 British actor was also known for his roles in Yorkshire television sitcom Queenie's Castle where he played Jack Shepherd, and the first three seasons of Juliet Bravo as DCI Jim Logan.
Cauntey also appeared in episodes of the Doctor Who series, including The Crusade (1965), Colony in Space (1971), and Enlightenment (1983).
A family statement 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."
The family 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 have requested privacy "at this extremely difficult time".
Caunter retired shortly after his exit from EastEnders to spend more time with his family.
His final storyline as Roy saw the character die in hospital from a stress-induced heart attack.
This was after Roy discovered his wife, Pat, was involved in an affair cover up.
Caunter has reflected on his time on EastEnders as "the happiest period of my career".
The actor had his final TV credit in an episode of Doctors in 2008.
He then played Mr. Kelly in a film called The National Union of Space People which released in 2016.
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