The Archers star Sara Coward dies aged 69

Coward was diagnosed with terminal cancer last year when she found a lump on her neck and swelling in her right arm, shortly after apparently recovering from breast cancer and a mastectomy.

As well as her regular role in The Archers, Coward was a writer and stage actor, and spent eight years working for the Samaritans charity in Stratford-upon-Avon.

Earlier this year she spoke to the Radio Times about her cancer, saying: “I would prefer it to be over quickly.”

Announcing her death, The Archers editor Huw Kennair-Jones said: “Everyone in The Archers family is very sad today. Sara was a gifted actress with a unique voice.

“Even when she was navigating the tribulations of Caroline Sterling’s love life, Sara’s deft wit and clever characterisation meant Caroline was never solely defined by her relationships but always as a fully rounded, intriguing woman of substance.

“We will all miss her both professionally and personally.”

Coward first appeared on the show in 1977 as a barmaid at The Bull, but eventually became the pub’s manager and took over the Grey Gables hotel and country club.

But her character is best known for a string of failed relationships, prompting the actress to say of Ms Sterling: “The poor girl was only trying to find the right man; she just happened to search in some pretty peculiar places.”

She also told the Radio Times she hoped Caroline would not be written out of the show on her death, saying “I’d like them to find someone else to play her.”

Coward last appeared on the show in September 2016 and spent the last months of her life trying to leave the world “a kinder place” as she launched a social media campaign urging people to smile at each other more.