EastEnders Actress Anita Dobson Reveals Intriguing Origins of Relationship with Queen Guitarist Brian May
Anita Dobson, renowned for her portrayal of Angie Watts in the iconic TV series EastEnders, recently shared a fascinating anecdote about her marriage to Brian May, the legendary guitarist of Queen. Making her mark on British television in 1985, Anita quickly became a household name during her three-year stint on the show. In 1986, she also ventured into the music scene with her single “Anyone Can Fall In Love,” which was inspired by the EastEnders theme tune and coincidentally marked the year she first crossed paths with Brian May.
During a recent appearance on Lacey Turner’s podcast ‘We Started Here,’ Anita delved into her experiences both on-screen and off, shedding light on her bond with Brian. She revealed that their first meeting took place in 1986 at a preview screening of “Down and Out in Beverly Hills,” where Brian and his then-wife, Chrissie Mullen, were also in attendance. What followed was a serendipitous encounter that kickstarted a unique connection between the actress and the rock legend.
Anita candidly shared that initially, she was unaware of Brian’s status as the lead guitarist of Queen, admitting, “Don’t you know who that is? That’s only the lead guitarist of Queen,” when informed by her agent. Despite the lack of immediate romantic sparks, Brian’s genuine interest in her soon became apparent when he extended a heartfelt invitation for her to attend a Queen concert at Wembley. However, it was during this period that Anita found herself forming a close friendship with none other than Freddie Mercury.
Recounting the intriguing turn of events in her life, Anita revealed how her relationship with Freddie further intertwined her path with Brian’s, eventually paving the way for their romantic involvement. As she navigated the complexities of Brian’s marriage at the time, Anita found solace and companionship in her bond with Freddie, leading to a unique dynamic within their social circle.
Despite the glamour of attending a Queen concert and being surrounded by rock royalty, Anita confessed to feeling overwhelmed and out of her element, likening the experience to being “like a rabbit in headlights.” This sentiment encapsulates the whirlwind nature of her unexpected journey from a council flat in the East End to rubbing shoulders with music icons at prestigious venues.
In a nostalgic twist, Anita recently revisited her EastEnders roots by returning to Albert Square for the soap’s 40th-anniversary celebrations. The on-screen reunion with her former co-star Letitia offered a poignant reflection on her enduring connection to the show that catapulted her into the spotlight over three decades ago.
Anita Dobson’s narrative of love, friendship, and stardom serves as a testament to the unpredictable paths that intertwine the lives of individuals from diverse backgrounds. From humble beginnings behind a pub bar to forging lasting relationships with cultural icons, her story resonates with the essence of serendipity and genuine human connections that transcend fame and fortune.