'Hugely loved' EastEnders star dies aged 88

Caunter played a car dealer with a love interest for Pat Butcher in the British soap

Tony Caunter, who played Roy Evans in EastEnders, has died aged 88, his family has announced.

The actor played a car dealer with a love interest for Pam St Clement's character Pat Butcher, in the British soap from 1994 to 2003.

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

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

Caunter leaves a daughter, three sons, seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, the statement said.

"He will be missed by all," it added.

The family thanked staff at the East Sussex 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.

They ended their statement by requesting privacy "at this extremely difficult time".

Tony was a love interest of Pat Butcher, played by Pam St Clement (both pictured)

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

His on-screen son was Barry Evans, played by Shaun Williamson, who was pushed off a cliff in a dramatic episode.

Caunter's other acting roles included Pennies From Heaven, Tumbledown, and TV series Juliet Bravo.

He also appeared in the TV drama series Boon, alongside EastEnders' star Michael Elphick.

A statement from EastEnders said: "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."