'You do anything for the people you love'

Anita Dobson talks to Woman's Weekly about her role in Doctor Who, marriage to rocker Brian May and why she nearly didn't do Strictly

- JORDAN PARAMOR

Actor Anita Dobson rocketed to soap fame thanks to her unforgettable role as Angie Watts in EastEnders, which she played from 1985 to 1998. She’s been a regular face on our screens ever since, most recently popping up as the mysterious Mrs Flood in last year’s Doctor Who Christmas special.

The 75-year-old Londoner has worked consistently throughout her career, and not only is she a brilliant actor but we imagine she's a dream to work with. Softly spoken, kind and funny, she's someone you could chat to all day.

As well as having recently shot a new movie, This Time Next Year, alongside John Hannah, she's currently filming the upcoming series of Doctor Who. 'It's a bit exciting, isn't it?' she smiles. 'I didn't think about the reaction to my first appearance but Brian said, "Just you wait!" and he was right. They're such a lovely team and long may it last.

'Filming This Time Next Year was great too. I got to go to Italy for a week. Brian came out, as it was my birthday, and we had the best time. It was one of the most fun things I've ever done.'

Anita and Queen guitarist Brian May married in November 2000, and the 76-year-old musician credits his wife with saving his life after he had a terrifying heart attack in 2020.