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.
‘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.’
Her most iconic moments include her shock arrest for hurling a flapjack at a wealthy restaurant owner, spotting a rare golden eagle at Brookfield, and her famous 1959 declaration that she was ‘getting all the fun’.
During a protest over the closing of a cafe feeding the homeless, a frustrated Jill threw a homemade flapjack that hit Lulu Duxford right in the eye.
Patricia Greene played Jill Archer in The Archers since 1956
Greene pictured meeting Camilla Duchess of Cornwall in 2011
She was arrested and given a caution, much to the horror of her son David, but her actions are still celebrated by fans as one of the show’s funniest and most unexpected moments.
Greene’s all-time favourite storyline was Jill spotting a golden eagle descending on the yard at Brookfield.
The Archers editor Jeremy Howe hailed Greene as ‘raucously funny’, and noted he always had faith in her performances.
He added: ‘Paddy was utterly singular, a fabulous and raucously funny raconteur, and like the best actors when on mic you were never quite sure how she would play a scene, but you knew she would play it brilliantly.
‘Her portrayal of Jill was formidable, but also wonderfully warm, loving and enormous fun.
‘It was an incredible privilege to work with her, and she will be greatly missed by all of us within the production team, as well as by millions of Archers listeners.’
Greene first trained at London’s Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, before deciding to pursue acting as a career when a theatre performance moved her father to tears.
She landed the role of Jill in the mid-1950s, and in the ’60s, Greene had various roles in ITV’s Crossroads.
Greene, at Buckingham Palace, after she was awarded the MBE by the Princess Royal.
In 1990, she voiced Jill in an episode of One Foot In The Grave, while in March 2000 she played Margaret Richmond in the very first episode of Doctors.
She returned to the role a month later, while she also appeared in an episode of Casualty.
Greene, who was awarded an MBE in 1997, moved into an assisted living facility in August 2023, where she continued to record The Archers.
A spokesperson for Avery Healthcare, which runs Cliveden Manor Care Home, told the Bucks Free Press: ‘The home allows Patricia to maintain her independence and continue her professional commitments while benefiting from a tranquil and supportive community.
‘Patricia’s remarkable career, combined with the care and support she receives at Cliveden Manor Care Home, highlights how Avery Healthcare helps residents maintain their independence while providing the care they need to live life to the fullest.’
Gabriela Smith, Home Manager of the care home, hailed Greene as ‘a true inspiration’ at the time.
She added: ‘Patricia is a perfect example of how, with the right support, it’s possible to keep doing what you love.’
