The EastEnders legend opens up on a more private festive season as the Queen guitarist focuses on health and healing

Anita Dobson has revealed that she and her husband Sir Brian May will be spending Christmas Day alone, as she shared a candid update on the Queen guitarist’s health following his stroke last year.

Anita Dobson has opened up on Sir Brian May’s health battleCredit: Alamy

The EastEnders icon, best known for her role as Angie Watts, spoke openly about their plans for a quiet festive period — a decision shaped by Brian’s health recovery and a year marked by both joy and heartbreak.

Queen And Adam Lambert Perform At Chase Center 3 He suffered a stroke last year and was unable to use his left arm – but has since recoveredCredit: Getty

Sir Brian, now 78, suffered a stroke last year that left him unable to control his left arm and saw him rushed by ambulance to hospital in Surrey. At the time, the rock legend admitted the ordeal was “a little scary” and later told fans he had been advised not to raise his heart rate too high.

A Remarkable Comeback — But Slowing Down

A year on, Brian has made a strong return, performing at Coachella in April and appearing on stage with Benson Boone in London last month for a rendition of Bohemian Rhapsody.

However, despite the comeback, Anita revealed that her husband has no plans to embark on another lengthy tour with Queen and Adam Lambert, instead choosing to prioritise his health and time at home.

Anita Dobson made a stunning return to EastEnders

Speaking at the Tric Christmas Lunch, Anita said:
“He is still working on stuff. I think he’s working on a song for somebody else at the moment.

“He does all sorts of bits and pieces. His health is good. He bikes every day.
He swims maybe once or twice a week. Takes his pills. And is a good boy. So that’s the best we can hope for.”

A Quiet Christmas After a Difficult Year 

Anita went on to explain that this Christmas will be a subdued one for the couple, following Brian’s health scare and the painful loss of several close friends.

“We are planning to spend Christmas Day alone,” she said.
“I think we just want to be at home, quiet.

“It’s been alternately amazing and wonderful this year. Lots of amazing things have happened, but we’ve also had lots of sad things happen. That’s life, isn’t it.”

She added:
“Losing people is the hardest. We’ve lost lots of friends — people that Brian’s worked with, people that I’ve worked with. That is really tough.

“You just have to be there for people, listen, be kind and make them comfortable. That’s all you can do.”

Their Low-Key Christmas Routine

The couple, who have been together since 1988, prefer to keep Christmas Day as low-key as possible, enjoying a later, meat-free meal.

“We try and sleep on Christmas Day,” Anita explained.
“Brian would sleep all day if you let him. He works overnight.

“He’s not bothered by the phone ringing — it’s quieter, and he can concentrate more.”

She added:
“My ideal time to eat is probably about 4pm. We have everything everyone else has — just no meat. Cheese and biscuits, champagne, maybe a glass of wine or port.”

A Year of Honours and Hidden Secrets

Despite the personal challenges, 2025 has also brought major professional highs for Anita.

She won Scene of the Year at the British Soap Awards following her surprise return to EastEnders for its 40th anniversary and was honoured with an OBE for services to charitable fundraising and philanthropy.

“I kept so many secrets this year,” she joked.
“I feel like 005.”

She also revealed her delight at meeting the King during her OBE ceremony.
“He was absolutely charming. I completely forgot myself and asked him how his health was.”

As the festive season approaches, Anita and Brian appear content to step away from the spotlight — choosing rest, reflection and each other after a year that tested them both.

Source: 
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/