EastEnders icon Shaun Williamson shares agonising regret over on-screen dad's death
EastEnders legend Shaun Williamson has paid tribute to his on-screen dad Tony Caunter and shared plans for a reunion between them that tragically never happened
EastEnders legend Shaun Williamson became emotional as he remembered Tony Caunter on Friday's edition of Good Morning Britain. The actor, 59, starred as Barry Evans on the BBC soap whilst Tony, who died earlier this month at the age of 88 just days after his wife, played his on-screen dad Roy.
Shaun admitted that Tony had been 'like a second dad' to him in real life as well, and tried to get in touch with his former co-star when he learned of the passing of his wife but was unable to reach him.
He said: "I learned so much from him, he was like a second dad to me. About nine months ago, he said him and his lovely wife weren't very well. When Fran died, I tried to phone him, and I couldn't get hold of him, and a few days later I found out he died. He'd been in the nursing home, which is why I couldn't get hold of him."
Shaun then revealed that he and some of his former EastEnders castmates had always planned to reunite with Tony, but it never came to fruition and he begged viewers to always see their loved ones before it is too late.
He added: "We're always talking about 'let's get together,' me and the other cast members were gonna go see him. If you're thinking about doing that sort of thing, just do it. Don't leave it til it's too late!" In the announcement for his death, his family revealed he died eight days after his wife, Frances Wallace, with whom he married in 1962. The two had four children together
He was taken care of by the staff at Eastbourne District General Hospital during his final hours and spent his final two months at the Eastbourne Gardens nursing home.
His family said in a statement to the PA news agency: "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 continued: "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 concluded their statement requesting privacy "at this extremely difficult time".
EastEnders bosses also shared a statement, writing: "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," the poignant statement concluded.
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