Actor Tony Caunter, who played Roy Evans in EastEnders, has died at the age of 88, his family have announced.

Mr Caunter played the character for almost a decade, from 1994 through to 2003.

The car dealer was introduced as a love interest for Pat Butcher, played by Pam St Clement.

The couple later married as part of the soap storyline.

Mr Caunter’s passing comes just eight days after the passing of his wife, Fran, who died last week.

The British actor was known for his roles as Jack Shepherd in the Yorkshire Television sitcom Queenie’s Castle (1970–72) and DCI Jim Logan in the first three seasons of Juliet Bravo.

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

The family said he will be “missed by all”, after “a long and fulfilling life on and off screen and stage”.

The full statement 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.”

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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.”

They ended their statement saying they request privacy “at this extremely difficult time”.

Tributes have begun pouring in online, praising the soap star.

A statement from EastEnders 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.”