EastEnders and Doctor Who actress Anita Dobson has made a candid revelation about her enduring marriage to Queen guitarist Brian May. The pair will mark their 25th wedding anniversary later this year, having wed at an intimate ceremony in London back in 2000.

As with many relationships, Anita acknowledges that their romance hasn’t always been plain sailing, especially when it comes to making compromises, reports the Express. Looking back on their marriage, the 76-year-old started by describing Brian’s proposal for her to move in with him, along with their wedding day, as “two of the most pivotal moments” of her life.

Speaking to Yours magazine, she said: “That’s not to say that everything’s been smooth sailing every day – there’s no magic potion for a perfect marriage. It can be hard work. Even though Brian’s the love of my life and he’s absolutely adorable, it’s not easy and we have to work at it.”

Anita attributes their deep affection for one another as the key to weathering challenging periods, confessing: “We do have to make compromises. I’ve had to give up a little bit of my independence, but because Brian loves me, he allows me to be me and that’s the trick.”

The EastEnders legend went on to maintain that another key to a successful long-lasting marriage is permitting your partner to remain true to themselves, though she acknowledged this approach has its drawbacks. She said: “It’s hard sometimes, though, because allowing the person to be themselves can be pretty infuriating!”

Brian and Anita’s paths first crossed at a premiere in 1986, despite both being in separate relationships at the time. Brian was then married to his first wife, former model Chrissie Mullen, with whom he shares three children. Their marriage lasted for 12 years before they decided to part ways in 1988.