Shula Hebden Lloyd

Shula Hebden Lloyd
The Archers character
Judy Bennett as Shula
Portrayed by	Judy Bennett (1971–2024)
Duration	1958–2024
First appearance	8 August 1958 (1958-08-08)
Last appearance	1 February 2024 (2024-02-01)
Classification	Former; regular
Created by	Godfrey Baseley
In-universe information Occupation Stables owner Trainee vicar Father Phil Archer Mother Jill Archer Brothers David Archer Kenton Archer Sisters Elizabeth Pargetter Husband Mark Hebden (1985–1994) Alistair Lloyd (1998–2019) Sons Daniel Hebden Lloyd Grandfathers Dan Archer Grandmothers Doris Archer Aunts Christine Barford Nephews Josh Archer Ben Archer Freddie Pargetter Nieces Pip Archer Lily Pargetter Meriel Archer

Shula Hebden Lloyd (also Archer)^[1] is a fictional character from the British BBC Radio 4 soap opera The Archers. The character was introduced as the eldest daughter of Phil Archer and Jill Archer in 1958. Shula has been portrayed by Liverpudlian actress Judy Bennett since 1971.^[2] Bennett played the role for over 50 years, making her one of the longest-serving soap opera actors in the world. After Bennett announced her departure from the show in September 2022, Shula's exit scenes aired on 30 September. She later made brief returns in December 2023 and February 2024.

A devout Christian with a heavy involvement in the Ambridge church and its parish council, Shula has been featured in some of the show's most controversial and high-profile storylines including the death of her first husband Mark, her affair with the village doctor, and her struggles to conceive children which ultimately led to a successful IVF treatment.

The Archers official website describes Shula as being a "pillar of the church" whose "first love was horses" and has a "sometimes troubled heart".^[3] Bennett has been married to Archers co-star Charles Collingwood, who plays Brian Aldridge, since 1975.^[2]