Patsy King has died at the age of 95

She is survived by her sister Valerie Logada.

Tributes to Patsy have poured in, as a post on a fan page for the show read: "The beautiful Patsy King has left us this week.

"On behalf of Partners in Crime (Barry, Stephen and myself), we send our sincerest condolences to Patsy's family, her sister Valerie, and all of Patsy's closest friends.

"I was fortunate enough to make an impromptu visit to see Patsy on New Year's Day, and so happy to see the glee on her face when I walked in the door with Gifts.

"We chatted for a while and she was still as spritely and witty as ever. This photo, taken by Phillip Castleton, shows the lady that Patsy is.

"This pink ensemble was one of her favourite outfits, which she wore at the 2024 Event, a day of pure happiness for Patsy and for all that met her that day.

"Patsy will be terribly missed by all. Fly high Patsy."

A second fan penned on another page: "Such sad news to hear of the passing of Patsy King.

"For so many of us, she will always be remembered as everyone's favourite Governor, Erica Davidson - a powerful, commanding and unforgettable character."

And a third person typed on X: "For so many of us, she will always be remembered as everyone's favourite Governor, Erica Davidson - a powerful, commanding and unforgettable character.

"Patsy's performance left a lasting mark on Australian television and on the hearts of fans everywhere. Rest in peace, and thank you for the memories."

Born on September 16, 1930, in Melbourne, Australia, Patsy lived her early years in the UK, and originally aspired to be a dress designer.

After eight years in the UK, she returned Down Under and wanted to become a theatre star, going on to train as a classical stage actress with the Melbourne National Theatre, specialising in straight drama and Shakespeare.

Patsy made her professional stage debut in 1951, and went onto appear in a variety of genres, including Wendy in Peter Pan, and Agnes in The Fourposter, of which the latter saw her bag the 1963 Erik Award for Best Actress.

In 1959, she married John Sumner - the founder and artistic director of the Melbourne National Theatre.

However, their romance only lasted eight years, as they divorced in 1967.

In the early 1960s, Patsy launched her TV, staring out with radio roles for the ABC, performing poetry readings, children's shows and serials.

Patsy was also one of the original presenters on Play School in Australia.

Other TV credits included Homicide and Bellbird.

However, it was Prisoner: Cell Block H - of which she appeared in 351 episodes of as prison governor Erica Davidson - that shot her to global stardom.

In 1989, Patsy returned to the UK and played her alter ego in a sold out West End production of Prisoner: Cell Block H.