Shaun Williamson as Barry in EastEnders in 2003(Image: BBC/Adam Pensotti)

EastEnders' Shaun Williamson pays tribute to 'second father' after Tony Caunter's death

14 Oct 2025, 21:31 by Angie Quinn, Susan Knox · PlymouthLive

Shaun Williamson has delivered a poignant tribute to his former EastEnders colleague Tony Caunter after his passing at 88.

Tony Caunter, renowned for playing Roy Evans in EastEnders, passed away peacefully aged 88, his relatives announced on Tuesday (October 14).

The performer, who depicted the cherished motor trader from 1994 to 2003, was brought in as a love interest for Pat Butcher, portrayed by Pam St Clement, with the couple later tying the knot on the programme.

Speaking to the PA news agency, his relatives revealed: "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."

Roy and Barry during a scene in EastEnders back in 2000(Image: BBC)

The relatives also acknowledged the treatment Caunter received during his final weeks: "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", reports the Mirror.

The legendary EastEnders performer's relatives concluded the devastating announcement by asking for privacy "at this extremely difficult time."

Now Shaun, 59, has honoured his on-screen father through an emotional social media tribute. The former EastEnders star penned on Instagram this evening: "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."

Roy Evans was played by Tony Caunter on EastEnders(Image: BBC)

EastEnders chiefs also issued a statement declaring: "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.

EastEnders stars Mike Reid, Tony Caunter, Pam St Clement and Lesley Schofield pictured in 2000(Image: PA)

"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 touching statement concluded.

Admirers have also shared tributes on social media following news of Tony's tragic passing. One posted on Twitter (X): "I've been watching 1998-2000 recently and Roy was one of the best characters. Always down on his luck but such a brilliant character! Sad to hear Tony Caunter has passed away."

Another person commented: "RIP Tony Caunter, I was lucky enough to meet him a few years ago at a signing and he was one of the sweetest and nicest men I've met. Very sad."

One viewer expressed: "Very sad news. Roy was always a favourite of mine, and Tony an excellent actor."

EastEnders' Shaun Williamson has paid tribute to on-screen dad Tony Caunter(Image: BBC)

Another chimed in: "Sad news RIP Tony... Roy didn't half put up with a lot of rubbish with his son Barry causing him trouble and Pat cheating with Frank. He was in a great era of the show."

An EastEnders enthusiast penned: "Tony Caunter was a reliable TV face, equally comfortable on either side of the law: always extremely dependable. That he was then rewarded with household name status in EastEnders was a deserved cherry on his acting cake. I visited at home some years back and he was lovely. RIP.

"We've lost another versatile character actor. Tony will be best remembered for his long running stint on EastEnders as Roy Evans. Among his many other credits Tony appeared in Doctor Who 3 times. R.I.P. Tony Caunter," another fan added.

Barry and Roy during their final scenes in EastEnders(Image: BBC)

During his tenure on the soap, Caunter's character was involved in some of the programme's most unforgettable plots, including Pat's affair with ex-husband Frank Butcher, portrayed by Mike Reid.

Caunter's career extended decades beyond EastEnders, featuring in Pennies From Heaven, Tumbledown, Juliet Bravo, and the drama Boon.

He enjoyed a 63-year marriage to Frances Wallace, and the pair had four children together.

EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One and available to stream on BBC iPlayer from 6am