EastEnders’ Pam St Clement Pays Tribute to On-Screen Husband Tony Caunter After His Death at 88
EastEnders icon Pam St Clement has paid a heartfelt tribute following the death of her former co-star Tony Caunter, who famously played her on-screen husband, Roy Evans.
It was confirmed yesterday that Tony passed away peacefully aged 88 — just eight days after the death of his beloved wife, Fran, his partner of 63 years.
Pam St Clement Breaks Her Silence
Pam, 83, who played the unforgettable Pat Butcher opposite Caunter’s Roy in EastEnders from 1994 to 2003, shared her sadness in a statement issued through her agent.
“I am very saddened to hear of Tony’s passing,” she said.
“He was not only a lovely man, but a true gentleman to work with.”
Their on-screen marriage was one of the most memorable in soap history — full of heart, humour, and the kind of warmth that made viewers instantly fall in love with the couple. Roy and Pat’s love story remains one of EastEnders’ defining partnerships.
The Evans Era in EastEnders
Tony Caunter joined EastEnders in 1994, playing car dealer Roy Evans, a role that quickly became one of the most beloved in Albert Square.
Roy’s relationship with Pat Butcher became central to the show through the late ‘90s and early 2000s, with the couple enduring affair scandals, family feuds, and Roy’s health struggles.
The character was tragically killed off in 2003, when Roy suffered a heart attack in one of the soap’s most emotional storylines — leaving Pat devastated and fans heartbroken.
Tony Caunter’s Family Pays Tribute
In a touching statement, Tony’s family confirmed his passing and shared details of his final days:
“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.”
They also expressed gratitude to NHS staff at Eastbourne District General Hospital and Eastbourne Gardens Nursing Home for their “care and compassion.”
BBC and EastEnders Pay Their Respects
The BBC and EastEnders cast and crew released a statement honouring Tony’s legacy:
“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 viewers who took Roy to their hearts.
Roy will always be remembered for his great love of Pat — despite famously declaring his distaste in her choice of earrings — which gave us one of Walford’s greatest love affairs.”
A Career Beyond Albert Square
Before EastEnders, Tony enjoyed a long and successful career on stage and screen. He appeared in Queenie’s Castle, Juliet Bravo, and numerous other British television classics across five decades.
His versatility and warmth made him a respected figure in British drama, admired both by his colleagues and generations of viewers.
A Legacy of Love and Laughter
As tributes pour in from fans and fellow actors, Pam St Clement’s words sum up the sentiment shared by many: Tony Caunter was not just an EastEnders legend — he was a true gentleman, on and off screen.
His passing marks the end of an era for fans of EastEnders, but Roy and Pat’s love story, along with Tony’s legacy, will live on in the hearts of viewers forever.