Patricia Greene, affectionately known as Paddy Greene, has died at the age of 94 after a remarkable career spanning almost seven decades as Jill Archer in BBC Radio 4's The Archers.

Joining the programme in 1956, she became the longest-serving cast member in the history of the radio drama and is widely recognised as the longest-serving actor in any soap opera across all media.

The BBC announced her death during the Today programme, prompting tributes from colleagues who praised both her talent and her lasting contribution to one of Britain's best-known radio series.

BBC Radio 4 controller Mohit Bakaya described her portrayal of Jill as outstanding and said generations of listeners had come to regard her character as a familiar and comforting presence.

The Archers editor Jeremy Howe remembered Greene as a warm, witty and gifted performer whose unpredictable yet consistently brilliant performances brought depth and humour to the role.

Among Jill Archer's most memorable storylines were her arrest after throwing a flapjack during a protest, an incident that became one of the programme's most celebrated comic moments, and a storyline involving the sighting of a rare golden eagle, which Greene herself considered her favourite.

Trained at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, Greene also appeared in television productions including Crossroads, Doctors, Casualty and One Foot in the Grave.She was appointed MBE in 1997 for services to drama.

Even after moving into an assisted living facility in 2023, she continued recording episodes of The Archers, demonstrating her commitment to the role.Her death marks the end of an extraordinary broadcasting career that left a lasting legacy in British radio drama.