Anita Dobson has revealed details about a “terrible row” she had with her husband, Queen guitarist Sir Brian May. The former EastEnders star, who married the rock legend in 2000, met him at a film preview shortly after she started on the popular soap, while Brian was still married to his first wife Chrissie and father to three young children.
Anita, who played Angie Watts on EastEnders, admitted to being heartbroken upon discovering he was not single when they first met, reports the Express. She said the couple “went through hell” during the early stages of their relationship.
Speaking to the Daily Mail in 2011, Anita said: “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? ‘ So we just kept a certain distance until we could find a place in life where we could be together. But it was hard, really hard.”
READ MORE: Jane McDonald opens up on ‘rebuilding’ life after heartbreaking loss
The actress, who has recently been seen as the mysterious Mrs Flood in Doctor Who, also touched on the complexities of love and its consequences. She said: “Everybody gets hurt, and, if there are kids, it’s not good, but if people fall in love there’s nothing you can do about it. Even if you separate, the ache is still there. It stops you moving on because it’s unresolved.”
Despite the tumultuous start, Anita believes that what she and Brian went through was a testament to their true love. She now enjoys a positive relationship with his children and ex-wife after Brian and Christine separated in 1988.
Brian and Anita first met in the 1980s
(Image: Getty Images)
Brian has previously confessed that he had already met Anita before his first marriage ended, having crossed paths with her back in 1986. Anita said: “Nobody’s perfect. We’ve all done things that we’re not proud of but, unfortunately, that became public. I didn’t think I’d ever come back from it. I thought: ‘That’s it. Over.’
“But when I walked away, I thought, ‘You obviously love this man, and he loves you. You’ve spent your life running away from commitment. Maybe it’s time you stood and figured out why.”
Anita, who had been engaged four times before marrying Brian, exchanged vows in a small registry office ceremony in Richmond upon Thames in 2000. The couple then honeymooned in Venice, a location they revisit each year.
We are now bringing you the latest updates on WhatsApp first