Patricia Greene, the beloved soap star who played Jill Archer in BBC Radio 4's The Archers for nearly 70 years, has died aged 94, with tributes paid to the matriarch.
Also known as Paddy, she was the radio soap's longest serving cast member as well as the longest serving actor in a soap opera in any medium.
In an announcement at the end of Friday's Today programme, the BBC said: 'Patricia Greene, who played Jill Archer in The Archers since 1956, has died.'
In a statement, BBC Radio 4 controller Mohit Bakaya praised her 'outstanding' contribution to the show over 70 years, and described her as a 'constant companion' for listeners over the decades.
He told Digital Spy: 'It has been a pleasure to hear her ever-evolving portrayal of Jill over the decades. She leaves a wonderful legacy.
