Pam St Clement tribute to EastEnders husband

Tony Caunter played Roy Evans in EastEnders between 1994 and 2003

Former EastEnders star Pam St Clement has paid tribute to Tony Caunter, the actor who played her on-screen husband, who has died aged 88.

The soap legend who played Pat Butcher described the actor, who was car dealer Roy Evans between 1994 and 2003, as "not only a lovely man, but a true gentleman to work with".

She added: "I am very saddened to hear of Tony's passing."

In a statement, Caunter's family said he "died peacefully" on Monday evening at Eastbourne District General Hospital, East Sussex, just eight days after his wife of 63 years, Fran.

Shaun Williamson (right) who played Caunter's son described him as a "great man"

They said: "It is with enormous sadness that we bring the curtain down on our wonderful and hugely loved father."

The family thanked staff at the hospital for their "incredible care" during his final hours, alongside everyone at the Eastbourne Gardens nursing home for their "care and compassion" in recent months.

Shaun Williamson, who played Caunter's son Barry Evans in the soap, said he was "like a second father to me".

In a post on Instagram, Williamson said: "He taught me so much about acting and life.

"A great actor and a great man. I will miss him so much."

Tony Caunter described his time on EastEnders as "the happiest period of my career"

Patsy Palmer, who played Bianca Jackson, said: "Beautiful memories of a beautiful man.

"So kind and funny. God bless you."

Dean Gaffney, who played Robbie Jackson, called him a "legend".

Lucy Speed, who played Roy's daughter-in-law Natalie Evans, said he was "gentle, kind and classy".

Car dealer Roy Evans arrived in Albert Square in 1994.

He dated Pat Butcher before marrying her three years later.

During Caunter's time playing Roy, one of the headline-making EastEnders storylines involved Pat's affair with her ex, Frank Butcher, played by Mike Reid.

They planned to run away together, but Pat had a change of heart and she and Roy managed to patch up their relationship.

Caunter described his time playing Roy as "the happiest period of my career".

His other acting roles included Pennies From Heaven, Tumbledown, Juliet Bravo, Doctor Who and Boon.

He leaves a daughter, three sons, seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.