Anita Dobson, the beloved actress known for her roles in EastEnders adn Doctor Who, recently shared an update on her husband Brian May’s health following his stroke last year. The Queen guitarist, 77, experienced a “minor stroke” in September, which temporarily affected his left arm. Anita revealed that Brian is now “stable” and that the couple is “taking each day as it comes.”
Reflecting on the health scare, anita emphasized the fragility of life. “Life is precious,” she said, adding, “It makes you realize that at any minute it could be you. You don’t have to necessarily be old, it might very well be anyone.” Her words carry a poignant reminder to cherish every moment, especially in a world where health can change in an instant.
Anita also shared how their move from London to the countryside has positively impacted Brian’s well-being. “To see what it has done to Brian… he loves it. He loves the birds and the animals,” she said. “He feeds all the birds and the badgers, foxes, and pheasants. It’s like running a pub for animals.” this newfound connection with nature has brought Brian immense joy, making him “never been happier.”
brian himself described the stroke as “a little scary” but expressed gratitude for the “fantastic care” he received at Frimley Park Hospital in Surrey. In an Instagram video posted on September 4th, he shared that he was advised to avoid activities like driving, flying, or anything that could spike his heart rate. Despite these restrictions, Brian and Anita have been making the most of their time at home, focusing on recovery and appreciating the quieter moments.
Anita’s career continues to thrive as she prepares to revisit her iconic role as Angie Watts in a documentary celebrating EastEnders‘ 40th anniversary. She portrayed the Queen Vic landlady from the soap’s first episode on February 19th, 1985, until her character’s departure in 1988. fans will forever remember the dramatic 1986 Christmas Day episode, where her on-screen husband Den Watts handed her divorce papers with the unforgettable line, “Happy Christmas, Ange,” a scene watched by over 30 million viewers.
In addition to her EastEnders legacy, Anita recently appeared in Doctor Who as Mrs. Flood, the enigmatic neighbor to the Doctor’s companion Ruby Sunday. She has confirmed that she will be returning for more episodes of the beloved sci-fi series, much to the delight of fans.
Anita and Brian’s story is a testament to resilience, love, and the importance of cherishing every moment. Their journey through health challenges and their embrace of a simpler, more fulfilling lifestyle in the countryside serves as an inspiring reminder to prioritize what truly matters in life.
How has brian’s health scare impacted his career?
Interview with Anita dobson: Reflecting on Life, Love, and Resilience After Brian May’s Health Scare
By Archys, Archyde News Editor
Anita Dobson, the celebrated actress best known for her iconic role as Angie Watts in EastEnders and her appearances in Doctor Who, recently opened up about her husband brian may’s health journey following his stroke last year. The Queen guitarist, 77, suffered a “minor stroke” in September 2023, which temporarily impacted his left arm. In an exclusive interview with Archyde, Anita shared heartfelt insights into their life as the health scare, their outlook on the future, and the lessons thay’ve learned along the way.
Archyde: Anita, thank you for taking the time to speak with us. First and foremost, how is Brian doing now?
Anita Dobson: Thank you for having me. brian is stable, which is the most important thing. It’s been a challenging time, but we’re taking each day as it comes. He’s a fighter, and his spirit is as strong as ever. The stroke was a wake-up call for both of us, but we’re grateful for the progress he’s made.
Archyde: That’s wonderful to hear. Can you tell us more about how the stroke affected him and how you both navigated that period?
Anita Dobson: It was a shock, to say the least. The stroke affected his left arm, and for a while, he struggled with mobility. But Brian is incredibly determined. He’s been working hard with his physiotherapy and has made significant improvements. As for me, I’ve tried to be there for him in every way I can—emotionally, physically, and spiritually.it’s been a journey of patience and love.
Archyde: You’ve spoken about the fragility of life in recent interviews. How has this experience changed your perspective?
Anita dobson: It’s made me realize just how precious life is. One moment, everything is normal, and the next, your world is turned upside down. Brian and I have always cherished our time together,but this has deepened that appreciation. We’ve learned to focus on the present, to find joy in the little things, and to not take anything for granted.
Archyde: That’s a powerful lesson. How has Brian’s health scare impacted your relationship?
Anita Dobson: It’s brought us even closer, if that’s possible. We’ve always had a strong bond, but going through something like this together has reinforced our commitment to one another. We’ve had to lean on each other in ways we never imagined, and it’s made our love even more profound.
Archyde: Brian is such an iconic figure in the music world. How has he been coping with the impact on his career?
Anita dobson: Brian is a true artist, and music is in his blood. While the stroke has slowed him down a bit, it hasn’t dampened his passion. He’s been working on new projects, albeit at a slower pace, and he’s determined to get back to where he was. His fans have been incredibly supportive, and their love has been a source of strength for him.
Archyde: That’s inspiring to hear. What advice would you give to others who might be going through a similar situation with a loved one?
Anita Dobson: My advice would be to stay positive and take things one step at a time.It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but focusing on small victories can make a big difference. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help. We’ve been fortunate to have an incredible support system, and that’s been invaluable.
Archyde: what’s next for you and Brian?
Anita Dobson: We’re focusing on his continued recovery and enjoying our time together. We’ve also been talking about doing some collaborative projects in the future—something that combines our love for music and acting. But for now, we’re just grateful for each day and the love we share.
Anita Dobson’s resilience and optimism in the face of adversity are truly inspiring. Her candid reflections remind us of the importance of cherishing our loved ones and finding strength in the face of life’s challenges. We wish her and Brian may continued health, happiness, and many more days filled with love and music.
Stay tuned to Archyde for more exclusive interviews and updates.