'Archers' actress dies, age 81

Mary Wimbush, who played Julia Pargetter-Carmichael in Radio 4 soap The Archers, has died at the BBC Birmingham studios.

She was 81, and has played the part of Julia for 13 years.

Since the 1960s she has also voiced two other main parts in The Archers, and has been in other Radio 4 dramas since 1945.

Her death came just after the recording of an episode.

Jenny Abramsky, Director, BBC Radio and Music, said: "Her contribution has been enormous and news of her death will sadden everybody who appreciates great performances.”

Mary had also appeared in films including Richard Attenborough’s Oh What a Lovely War