Anita Dobson, the iconic EastEnders star known for her role as Angie Watts, has revealed why she no longer watches the BBC soap nearly 36 years after her departure. The 75-year-old actress, who captivated audiences with her portrayal of the Queen Vic's first landlady, opened up about her disconnection from the show during recent interviews.
Dobson first appeared on the beloved series when it launched back in 1985, quickly establishing herself as one of its leading characters. Her stint included one of the most memorable and dramatic moments in television history—when her on-screen husband, Dirty Den, played by Leslie Grantham, served her divorce papers on Christmas Day. This scene alone attracted around 30 million viewers, making it one of the most-watched episodes of all time. Despite this remarkable legacy, Dobson admits she finds it challenging to keep up with the current storyline developments.
"I don’t really watch television very much at all. I watch things like a series because then you can get your teethinto it, and you can watch it when you want to rather than having to keep playing catch up," Dobson told The Mirror. The actress expressed her struggles with the sheer volume of episodes airing each week, claiming, "I tend to always miss it. But I do try to catch up with stuff now and again. But it’s hard withthat because it turns over so quickly." This statement reflects the quickly moving nature of soap operas, making it difficult for casual viewers to stay updated.
While she has distanced herself from watching the show, Dobson still looks back fondly on her time as Angie Watts. She mentioned the recent inclusion of classic Christmas specials on iPlayer, hoping people share fond memories of her character. "People will be saying to each other, ‘Darling, is this woman still here?’" she chuckled, showing her playful spirit.
Beyond her television career, Dobson has enjoyed nearly two decades of marriage to legendary Queen guitarist Brian May. Their love story, which began shortly after she joined EastEnders, was marked by complications, including Brian's prior marriage and the feelings of heartache involved. Despite the rocky start, she describes their relationship as resilient and filled with true love.
"We went through hell, but I believe it was true love," Dobson reflected, reminiscent of how difficult their early days were when they first met. The couple married in 2000, and together weathered personal challenges, including May's recent health issues. Just last month, he suffered from stroke-like symptoms, causing considerable concern for both Dobson and their fans. She reassured them by saying, "I’m very happy to say, sitting here now, he’s stable and he’s got through it," highlighting her supportive nature.
Brian May himself shared details about his recovery, maintaining his humor and positivity during the health scare. He quipped, "I'm here to bring you some good news - the good news isthat I can play guitar after the events of the last few days," demonstrating his ability to face challenges head-on.
Reflecting on the trials of life, Dobson pointed out how such incidents act as wake-up calls reminding us of the fragility of life. She emphasized, "At some point you are going to have to face the prospectthat you can't do the things you used to do, so you will have to slow down and start making compromises." It’s this perspective on aging and embracing change has been central to their relationship.
Interestingly, Dobson also recently starred as part of Channel 4's comedy-horror series Generation Z, which had her grappling with the more sinister aspects of filming. Initially taken aback by its gore, she eventually embraced her role, demonstrating her versatility as an actress and willingness to explore new artistic avenues.
Through all the ups and downs, both her television legacy and enduring marriage have provided Dobson with cherished experiences and important lessons about love, resilience, and the passage of time. She continues to carry her heritage as Angie Watts with pride, expressing gratitude for the joy and connections it has brought to her life.
So as Dobson reflects on her past with fondness and resolves to cherish every moment, it’s clear she finds herself enjoying life more than ever, whether it’s through her cherished memories of EastEnders or her deep commitment to Brian May and their shared experiences.
