A Walford Legend Remembered

EastEnders fans are mourning the loss of Tony Caunter, the veteran actor best known for playing the kind-hearted Roy Evans, who appeared in the BBC soap from 1994 to 2003. Tony passed away peacefully at the age of 88, just eight days after the death of his beloved wife Fran, his partner of 63 years.

His family confirmed the heartbreaking news in a moving statement, saying:

“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.”

They added that Tony leaves behind “a daughter and three sons, seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren,” describing him as a man who lived “a long and fulfilling life on and off screen.”

The family also expressed gratitude to the NHS staff at Eastbourne District General Hospital and Eastbourne Gardens nursing home for their compassion during Tony’s final weeks.

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Shaun Williamson Leads Tributes

Shaun Williamson, who famously played Tony’s on-screen son Barry Evans, was among the first to pay tribute. The actor took to Instagram to share a touching message:

“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.”

The two shared many memorable scenes together on EastEnders, with Roy and Barry forming one of the soap’s most beloved father-son relationships.

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The BBC and Co-Stars Pay Their Respects

An official statement from EastEnders bosses praised both the man and his enduring legacy on the show:

“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 viewers who instantly took Roy to their hearts.”

The statement continued:

“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 stories. Tony will never be forgotten by all those who worked alongside him for many years.”

Former co-star Lucy Speed, who played Roy’s daughter-in-law Natalie Evans, also shared her grief:

“Incredibly sad to read this news. He was a lovely man — kind, gracious, and a humble actor. RIP Tony.”

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Fans Share Their Memories

Viewers across social media have flooded tribute posts with messages of affection and nostalgia. One fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter):

“I’ve been rewatching EastEnders from 1998–2000 and Roy was one of the best characters. Always down on his luck but so brilliantly written and acted. So sad to hear Tony Caunter has passed away.”

Another added:

“I met Tony a few years ago at a fan event — he was one of the nicest, sweetest men. Such sad news.”

Many remembered his resilience on-screen:

“Roy didn’t half put up with a lot of grief from Barry and Pat! He was part of one of EastEnders’ best eras.”

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A Career Beyond Walford

While EastEnders made him a household name, Tony Caunter’s acting career spanned more than 50 years. His credits included appearances in Pennies From Heaven, Juliet Bravo, Boon, Tumbledown, and The Avengers.

Known for his warmth, professionalism, and gentle humour, Tony’s presence on-screen made every role feel grounded and human.

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A Lasting Legacy

Tony Caunter’s portrayal of Roy Evans gave EastEnders one of its most iconic father figures — a man of integrity and compassion caught between love, loyalty, and family chaos.

His passing marks the end of an era, but his work will continue to live on in the memories of fans and colleagues who adored him.