SHAUN’S HEARTBREAK EastEnders’ Shaun Williamson reveals guilt at not being able to see his onscreen dad Tony Caunter before he died
EASTENDERS legend Shaun Williamson today revealed his guilt at not being able to see his onscreen dad Tony Caunter before he died.
It was revealed earlier this month that Tony had passed away aged 88 – just eight days after his wife Fran died.
Tony joined EastEnders as Roy Evans in 1994 and remained in Walford until his character’s death from a heart attack in 2003.
During his time on the show he played Shaun‘s onscreen dad.
Shaun, who played Barry Evans for ten years until 2004, today spoke about Tony’s sad death, and the impact it’d had on him.
Speaking on Good Morning Britain, he referred to Tony as his “second dad”, and revealed he had “many fond memories” of the late star.
Shaun also revealed his guilt over not getting to see the actor before he died.
He said he and “some of the EastEnders cast had planned on going to visit Tony” in the nursing home where he was living, but sadly he died before they got a chance to.
Shaun then encouraged other people to “contact loved-ones” if they are thinking about them.
PAM’S TRIBUTE
Meanwhile, during his time on EastEnders, Tony was also known for being the onscreen husband of Pam St Clement’s iconic character Pat Butcher.
Shortly after his death the actress spoke about the late star with The Sun.
In a statement given exclusively to us via her agent, Pam, 83, said: “I am very saddened to hear of Tony’s passing.
“He was not only a lovely man, but a true gentleman to work with.”
EastEnders also paid tribute to Tony following his death.
A statement from the BBC soap said: “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.
“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.”
FAMILY’S STATEMENT
Tony passed away on October 13 – just eight days after his wife Fran also sadly died.
The couple were married for 63 years and are survived by their four children.
A statement from Tony’s family said: “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.”
The family added: “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.”
Away from EastEnders, Tony was also known for his roles as Jack Shepherd in the Yorkshire Television sitcom Queenie’s Castle in the early 1970s and as DCI Jim Logan in the first three seasons of Juliet Bravo.