Tributes paid to Macular Society patron Patricia Greene

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

Patricia played Jill Archer, the soap’s mother figure, for nearly 70 years after first appearing in the show in 1957.

Patricia was diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in her early 60s but with the help of strong glasses and a magnifier she continued to get about, and to play the character that has made her famous.

Living with sight loss 

Talking about her sight loss in an interview with the Macular Society in 2018, she said: “The thing about having macular degeneration and being housebound is that getting out, going to work and playing around is just wonderful.

"Being around young people who are giggly is very good for me. When you have got this thing you’ve got to take yourself out and not stop."

AMD didn’t come as a shock to Patricia as her mother had the same condition and she had some idea of what to expect.

She remained hopeful for a cure: “Research is so important,” she said. “I am hopeful now that people know about it, are concerned about it and are spending lots of money on it. It’s great for us sufferers to know it’s not just forgotten.”

Patricia became patron of the Macular Society in 2018 and was also an honorary member.

The matriarch 

Before joining The Archers, the longest running daily serialised radio drama, Patricia trained at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in London.

She was awarded an MBE in 1997 and her other acting credits included ITV soap Crossroads and BBC shows such as Doctors and Casualty.

Despite moving to a care home in August 2023 she continued to record The Archers, making her final appearance as the matriarch in September 2025.