London, 15 October (H.S.): Tony Caunter, the celebrated actor best known for his role as the affable car dealer Roy Evans in the long-running BBC soap opera EastEnders, has died at the age of 88. His family announced that he passed away peacefully on Monday at Eastbourne District General Hospital, poignantly just eight days after the death of his wife of 63 years, Fran.

In a heartfelt statement, his family said, It is with enormous sadness that we bring the curtain down on our wonderful and hugely loved father. They added, He will be missed by all. Caunter is survived by a daughter, three sons, seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

The family expressed their gratitude to the hospital staff and the nursing home caregivers for their compassion in his final months .Caunter became a household name during his nine-year tenure on EastEnders, from 1994 to 2003.

As Roy Evans, he was at the center of some of the soap's most memorable storylines, most notably his marriage to the iconic Pat Butcher, played by Pam St Clement. Viewers were captivated by their relationship, which endured through dramatic plots including Pat's affair with her ex-husband, Frank Butcher.

His on-screen son was Barry Evans, played by Shaun Williamson, whose character met a famously dramatic end .A statement from EastEnders paid tribute to the actor, saying, 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.

Beyond Walford, Caunter had a prolific career that began in the 1960s, with roles in numerous television series including the police drama Juliet Bravo, Boon, and Dennis Potter's acclaimed Pennies From Heaven . He was a versatile and respected character actor who appeared in a wide range of productions throughout his long career .

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar