EastEnders legend Pam St Clement shared a moving statement on her late co-star Tony Caunter, whose death was announced on Tuesday.
The Pat Butcher star, who portrayed the iconic Walford character from 1986 to 2012, cemented herself as one of the BBC soap’s longest-serving cast members.
She worked closely with Mr Caunter, who played Roy Evans from 1994 to 2003, and labelled him a "true gentleman".
The 88-year-old died just eight days after his beloved wife of 63 years also passed away.
Tony Caunter's family confirmed his death on Tuesday
| BBCMs St Clement, 83, broke her silence on the sad loss by issuing a heartfelt statement about her former co-star.
"I am very saddened to hear of Tony’s passing,” she began.
Speaking to The Sun, the former actress concluded: “He was not only a lovely man, but a true gentleman to work with.”
Mr Caunter’s car dealer character Roy married Pat in the soap and was father to the memorable Walford resident Barry Evans, played by Shaun Williamson.
Pam St Clement starred as Pat Butcher in EastEnders from 1986 to 2012
|GETTY
A statement released on Tuesday evening confirmed Mr Caunter’s death, Mr Caunter’s death, with his family sharing he passed away peacefully.
It read: “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. 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.”
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The BBC soap also issued a moving statement addressing the loss, sharing the post on its social media pages.
"It is with great sadness that we learn of the passing of Tony Caunter,” it began.
“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.
Tony Caunter starred as Roy Evans in EastEnders from 1994 to 2003
|BBC
"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.”
Mr Caunter appeared in more than 634 episodes of EastEnders during his nine-year stint.
Tony Caunter and Pam St Clement's EastEnders characters Roy and Pat were married in the soap
|BBC
Despite his soap stardom, the actor didn’t begin his TV career until after he’d served in the RAF after leaving school.
After this, he studied drama at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, first appearing on screens in 1962 through several supporting roles.