A much-loved boss of a family-run travelling circus which has entertained families across Kent for decades has died.

Roger Santus continued touring right up to his final days - despite a terminal cancer diagnosis and being left blind after surviving a horror crash four years ago.

His devastated family have described him as a “force of nature” and say they have the “biggest hole in their lives” following his death last week.

The 66-year-old co-founded the popular Whitstable-based Santus Circus with his brother Ernest. Their shows have delighted crowds in Kent and surrounding counties for more than 30 years.

But the dad-of-two was hit with health challenges in recent years, which began when he was hit by a car while riding his bicycle in 2020.

Roger spent seven months in a coma, was left blind and required a wheelchair.

And last year, he was dealt with the devastating blow of a terminal cancer diagnosis.

But, ever passionate about music, he continued soundtracking the live routines with drum rolls and cymbal crashes.

He died on May 13 in hospital surrounded by his wife and children.

In a glowing and emotional tribute to her dad, his daughter and fellow circus performer Ruby Santus says she never felt unsafe being with him as he was “so strong and sure”.

“He had an immense personality and was always the brightest, boldest person in the room,” she said.

“He had a great laugh and he just understood people.

“He knew how to get everyone in a good mood and was a force of nature.

“No matter how bad the day had been, he would always make it better.

“Everyone who met him was in love with him and he was so resilient.”

Roger was born on February 8, 1958, to circus-performing parents and was the fourth son in a French family of eight.

They moved to the UK in the 1960s and performed as a troupe, which included Roger, his other brothers and their wives.

They appeared in pantomimes at prestigious theatres including the London Palladium and the Royal Variety Show where they entertained the late Queen Elizabeth II. They also starred on the BBC's Saturday evening peak-time Seaside Special variety shows.

Ruby added: “He taught me and my brother, and a lot of other people along the way.

“He was my main teacher growing up and he helped make all our props and he fixed everything.

“We now have the biggest hole in our lives.

“Part of my soul went with him. He was half of the Santus brand.”

Over the years, the Santus family have won prizes at international gatherings, including the star-studded Monte Carlo Circus Festival hosted by Princess Stephanie of Monaco.

Roger entertained audiences across the south east and toured globally, including Hong Kong, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Spain and Switzerland - where he met his wife of 37 years Annemarie, who ran away with him and his circus when she was 18.

“My mum was his everything,” Ruby said.

“Everyone around them aspired to be them as they were such a loving couple.

“If he saw some flowers, he would buy them for her and they understood each other like nobody I have ever met.”

The couple had two children, Ruby and Lucien, but also looked after other youngsters on their travels.

“They also took on teenagers along the way and raised them as well,” added Ruby.

“They were not officially adopted but they came to live with us.

“My dad was a special person and he gave a lot of love.

“He welcomed a lot of them into his care with open arms.”

Roger started circus life juggling and unicycling before moving to training animals, including elephants, llamas and horses.

He also did an aerial balancing act with his wife but his speciality was publicity - drumming up support ahead of the shows coming to town.