Lorraine Kelly shares tribute to 'legend' as she says 'our thoughts are with his family'

Lorraine Kelly halted Wednesday's programme to deliver a heartfelt tribute to an acting 'legend'.

During the latest episode, Lorraine, 65, expressed her sympathies following the announcement that actor Tony Caunter, who portrayed Roy Evans in EastEnders, had passed away aged 88.

Tony brought the beloved character to life from 1994 to 2003 on the BBC One drama, with the motor trader serving as a romantic partner for Pat Butcher, portrayed by Pam St Clement, before the pair wed as part of the show's narrative.

A statement from Tony's relatives 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