EastEnders’ Pam St Clement breaks her silence on co-star Tony Caunter’s death as she calls him a ‘true gentleman’ in moving tribute

EastEnders star Pam St Clement shared a touching tribute to her ex-on-screen husband Tony Caunter after his death was announced on Tuesday.

The actor, who played the character Roy Evans in the BBC series, passed away just eight days after the death of his beloved wife of 63 years.

Pam, who played legendary Walford star Pat Butcher, branded her co-star a ‘true gentleman’ and said she was ‘so saddened’ to hear of his passing.

In the statement made by SunHe said: ‘I was so sorry to hear of Tony’s passing. ‘He was not only a nice guy, but a real gentleman to work with.’

Tony played car salesman Roy for nine years after joining EastEnders in 1994 and was introduced as Pay’s love interest, the pair later marrying.

In the statement made by Tony’s family, it was revealed that the star died just eight days after the death of his beloved wife of 63 years.

It read: ‘It is with great sadness that we close the curtain on our wonderful and much-loved father, Tony Caunter, who died peacefully last night, just eight days after the passing of his beloved wife of 63 years, Fran.

‘My father was 88 years old. After a long and fulfilling life on and off screen, Tony leaves behind a daughter, three sons, seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

‘He will be missed by everyone.’

The family added: ‘We would like to thank the NHS staff at Eastbourne District General Hospital for their incredible care in his final hours and everyone at Eastbourne Gardens care home for the care and compassion they gave my father over the last two months.’

In a statement, EastEnders added: ‘It is with great sadness that we learn of the death of Tony Caunter.

‘Tony will be forever loved and respected by everyone at EastEnders for his warmth, kindness and sense of humour, as well as being well remembered by everyone in the house who instantly took Roy into their hearts.

‘Roy will always be remembered for his great love for Pat, even though he made it clear he didn’t like the choice of earrings that gave us all one of Walford’s greatest love affairs.

‘Tony will never be forgotten by those who worked with him for many years and everyone at EastEnders sends their love and condolences to Tony’s family and friends.’

The actor, who played the character Roy Evans in the BBC series, passed away just eight days after the death of his beloved wife of 63 years.

Pam, who played legendary Walford star Pat Butcher, branded her co-star ‘a true gentleman’ and said she was ‘so saddened’ to hear of his passing (filmed in 2002)

Tony played car salesman Roy Evans in the series and appeared in more than 634 episodes over a nine-year period.

However, the star did not start his acting career until he served in the RAF after leaving school.

After the RAF, he studied drama at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA).

He first appeared on stage at the Farnham Repertory Company (1966-69) and later at the Theater Royal in Windsor (1984-89).

This was followed by his big screen debut in 1962, after which he found many small supporting roles in television programs, often playing police officers.

Some roles in The Avengers, Casualty, London’s Burning, Home to Roost, The Professionals.

He also played Henry Wilde, the Titanic’s chief officer, in SOS Titanic.

Tony appeared in the Doctor Who stories The Crusade (1965), Colony in Space (1971) and Enlightenment (1983).

Tony retired from acting in 2016 and reportedly resided in East Sussex.