EastEnders star Tony Caunter dies aged 88 in Eastbourne

Respected British actor Tony Caunter, best known to millions as Roy Evans in EastEnders, has died in Eastbourne, aged 88. His family confirmed that the veteran performer passed away peacefully at Eastbourne District General Hospital, just eight days after the death of his wife of 63 years, Fran (Frances Wallace). Family thanks Eastbourne hospital and […]

Respected British actor Tony Caunter, best known to millions as Roy Evans in EastEnders, has died in Eastbourne, aged 88.

His family confirmed that the veteran performer passed away peacefully at Eastbourne District General Hospital, just eight days after the death of his wife of 63 years, Fran (Frances Wallace).

Family thanks Eastbourne hospital and nursing home staff

In a heartfelt statement, Caunter’s family said:

“It is with enormous sadness that we bring the curtain down on our wonderful and hugely loved father.”

They confirmed that he died “peacefully” on Monday evening at Eastbourne District General Hospital, surrounded by loved ones.

The statement continued:

“Caunter leaves a daughter, three sons, seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He will be missed by all.”

The family thanked staff at the East Sussex hospital for their “incredible care” during his final hours, and also praised everyone at Eastbourne Gardens Nursing Home for their “care and compassion” in recent months.

They ended their message by requesting privacy “at this extremely difficult time”.

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.”

A celebrated career on screen

Born in Southampton in 1937, Tony Caunter enjoyed a career spanning more than five decades.
Before finding fame on EastEnders, he appeared in television classics such as Doctor Who, Z-Cars, Blake’s 7, The Sweeney, Casualty and Coronation Street.

From 1994 to 2003, he starred as Roy Evans, the car dealer who became one of EastEnders’ most beloved figures and the devoted husband of Pat Butcher, played by Pam St Clement.