British actress Patricia Greene, recognized as the world's longest-serving soap opera performer, has died at the age of 95.
She passed away on Friday, July 10, 2026.
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Greene voiced the character of matriarch Jill Archer on the BBC Radio 4 drama The Archers for nearly 70 years.
She made her debut on the long-running radio program in 1957.
She continued recording episodes until her death, even after moving to an assisted living facility in 2023.
Tributes from BBC and Fans
BBC Radio 4 controller Mohit Bakaya expressed condolences and acknowledged her extensive contributions. "It has been a pleasure to hear her ever-evolving portrayal of Jill over the decades.
She leaves a wonderful legacy," Bakaya said.
Jeremy Howe, editor of The Archers, praised her unique performance style. "Paddy was utterly singular, a fabulous and raucously funny raconteur," he said.
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"Her portrayal of Jill was formidable, but also wonderfully warm, loving and enormous fun."
Listeners shared their grief online. One fan wrote on X: "Been a regular listener to the Archers for nearly 50 years.
RIP Patricia Greene."
Another referenced a running joke from the show: "We shall have a lemon drizzle cake, or flapjacks for tea."
Born in Allenton, Derby, in 1931, Greene trained at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama.
Her career included the 1961 film The Kitchen, the ITV soap Crossroads (1965–1969), and BBC dramas Doctors and Casualty.
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She was awarded an MBE in 1997 and an honorary Master of Arts degree from the University of Derby in 2017.
