Queen’s legendary guitarist Brian Mayhas without a doubt lived a very interesting and full life, filled with drama, heartbreak, but also a love that has lasted the most challenging times. While fans admire him for his musical genius, few know about the woman who stood firmly beside him through every high and low — Anita Dobson.
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Their romance is far from conventional. Indeed, Brian May and Anita Dobson’s relationship didn’t follow the fairytale script. It began in secrecy, was marred by guilt and public judgement, but it ultimately blossomed into an enduring partnership that has lasted decades.
Anita Dobson: The woman who saved Brian May’s life
Brian May has often credited his wife, Anita Dobson, for saving his life, both emotionally and physically. In 2020, he suffered a heart attack while recovering from other health complications. As reported by Daily Mail, Brian said on BBC Morning Live:
She did save my life. I had this whole cluster of things go wrong. It was a good job it was lockdown in a way but I was incapacitated with the heart attack, complications from the drugs, then I had sciatica so badly. I couldn't even crawl.
In 2024, the Queen guitarist revealed he had suffered a minor stroke. Speaking to fans in an Instagram video, Brian shared:
All of a sudden, out of the blue, I didn’t have any control over this arm, so it was a little scary.
Thankfully, he received immediate medical attention and praised Frimley Hospital for their care.
Anita has been a constant presence at his side. During an appearance on Good Morning Britain in April 2025, while discussing her surprise return to EastEnders for its 40th anniversary and her role in Doctor Who, Anita Dobson was asked about Brian May's health scare. She told Good Morning Britain:
Thank you both for asking. I’m very happy to say he’s very well now. Back to his old self.
Who is Anita Dobson?
Anita Dobson is a well-known actress in the UK, most famous for her role as Angie Watts in the BBC soap EastEnders. Born in 1949, she has built an impressive career in television, film, and theatre. She was nominated for a Laurence Olivier Award in 2003 for her role in Frozen at the National Theatre.
Anita is known for her refusal to be typecast, having declined several offers to return to EastEnders. Instead, she pursued diverse acting roles across various genres. She returned to EastEnders briefly in its 40th anniversary special and currently plays Mrs Flood in Doctor Who.
Brian May and Anita Dobson’s relationship
Brian May met Anita Dobson in 1986 at a film premiere. At the time, Brian was still married to his first wife, Chrissie Mullen, with whom he shares three children: James, Louisa, and Emily Ruth.
Brian May and Anita Dobson began dating in 1986, even though Brian was still married to his first wife, Chrissie Mullen. Their relationship started under challenging circumstances, leading to emotional turmoil and public scrutiny. As reported by The Express, Brian admitted to OK magazine:
Well, to tell the truth I was so sort-of imbued with morality and guilt and stuff, even though I was in love with Anita I couldn’t admit it to myself. I thought, this is just a period you’re going through, Brian – you just have to sit on your own for a while and let the river flow. I didn’t allow myself to be with her.
Anita, for her part, confessed that she didn't initially know he had tied the knot already. She said to Daily Mail:
I was heart-wrenched when he told me. We had a terrible row. I was insulted. I thought: "How dare you go out with me if you’re married?"
Reflecting on their early relationship, Anita later admitted that being involved with Brian while he was still married to Christine was something she found deeply uncomfortable. Speaking on Loose Women in 2015, she acknowledged the difficult situation, saying:
I was the scarlet woman. I’m not proud of it.
Despite their rocky beginnings and public scrutiny, their bond only grew stronger. They maintained distance until they could be together openly. As Anita said:
We went through hell, but I believe, it was true love. The dust's settled and I have good relationships with his children and ex-wife.
Their marriage in 2000 was an intimate affair at a registry office in Richmond upon Thames, followed by a honeymoon in Venice. As reported by Daily Mail, Brian's affair in 1999, during his relationship with Anita, was a particularly difficult period for the couple. However, Anita even credits this challenging time as a turning point, saying:
I wouldn’t be married today if it wasn’t for that affair. I needed to grow up and deal with the fact I was also responsible for our relationship.
Today, Brian and Anita have no children together but remain deeply committed. They continue to visit Venice regularly, cherishing their time together.
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Sources used:
Daily Mail: Meet Brian May's 'incredible' wife of 23 years who 'saved his life': How ex-EastEnders actress Anita Dobson, 75, offered support as Queen guitarist, 77, reveals he suffered a stroke
Entertainment Daily: Anita Dobson shares health update following husband Brian May’s ‘minor stroke’
The Express: Queen legend Brian May's heartbreaking Anita Dobson 'guilt' confession
OK! Magazine: Queen star Brian May’s astonishing net worth, EastEnders wife and children
