Patricia Greene, the longest-serving cast member of the BBC Radio 4 soap opera The Archers, has died at the age of 95. Greene was best known for her nearly 70-year portrayal of Jill Archer in the drama, which has aired since 1951.
Jeremy Howe, editor of The Archers, described Greene as "utterly singular, a fabulous and raucously funny raconteur." He added that her depiction of Jill was "formidable, but also wonderfully warm, loving and enormous fun" was "an incredible privilege to work with."
"Ambridge will not be the same without her, and all of us here at BBC Radio 4 send our love and condolences to her family at this difficult time," a statement from the BBC read.
Greene began her career after training at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in London. In addition to her extensive work on The Archers, her acting credits included the ITV soap Crossroads and BBC shows Doctors and Casualty. She was awarded an MBE in 1997.
She moved into a care home in August 2023 but continued to record her role on The Archers. The drama, which follows the lives of residents in the fictional farming village of Ambridge, currently airs six days a week with 13-minute episodes.