Longest-serving Archers star Patricia Greene dies aged 95

Patricia Greene, the longest-serving cast member of BBC Radio 4 soap The Archers, has died at the age of 95.

She will be remembered for playing Jill Archer, the mother figure who was known for her lemon drizzle cake, in the programme for nearly 70 years after first appearing in 1957.

The news was announced on the Today programme, with the station's controller Mohit Bakaya describing Greene's contribution to the soap as "outstanding".

A statement also read: "It has been a pleasure to hear her ever-evolving portrayal of Jill over the decades" and that Greene "leaves a wonderful legacy".

"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," the statement continued.

Jeremy Howe, who edits The Archers, called Greene "utterly singular, a fabulous and raucously funny raconteur" in a statement, calling her depiction of Jill "formidable, but also wonderfully warm, loving and enormous fun".

He added that it was "an incredible privilege to work with her".

Greene joined The Archers after training at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in London.

The Archers is the longest running daily serialised radio drama and has aired since 1951.

It now airs six days a week, with 13-minute episodes following the lives of those living in the fictional farming village of Ambridge.

Greene, who was awarded an MBE in 1997, had other acting credits including ITV soap Crossroads and BBC shows Doctors and Casualty.

She moved into a care home in August 2023 but continued to record The Archers.