Queen icon Sir Brian May and his wife Anita Dobson are considered one of showbiz's strongest couples. After first meeting in 1986, when he was still married to his first wife Christine Mullen, they became a couple after his divorce.

Former EastEnders actress inspired Sir Brian, who turns 79 today (Sunday, July 19), to write hit song I Want It All in 1989. They married in 2000.

While they have been a couple for more than three decades, their relationship is not without its arguments. Both have admitted they have a fiery relationship, but they think "that's the reason we're still together".

Speaking on an old episode of Loose Women, where Anita used to be a panellist, Sir Brian opened up on the partnership with his wife.

He said: "I have a massive respect for my wife. She's an extraordinary actress and she's a lot of other things in the house that I don't even want to go into. I'm so proud of her.

"We do have massive arguments. But it's because we care. And little things and insignificant things can blow up. Your partner knows your buttons to press and I'm not usually quick to blow up, but Anita, she can get me."

Anita added: "I think things only work because you want them to work and want to be with him. So that's the whole reason we're still together."

Brian said the couple were told "it would never last" because they were both "too volatile". Sir Brian's late bandmate, the legendary Freddie Mercury, was among those who doubted it would go the distance.

The couple first met 40 years ago. Shortly after meeting, they start working together professionally as Sir Brian produced Anita's 1987 single, 'Talking of Love'. They appeared on TV together to promote the record.

In a separate interview, Anita admitted "it can be infuriating" as she opened up on "hard" marriage.

The couple exchanged vows at an intimate London ceremony, and Anita regards Sir Brian's proposal for her to move in with him, along with their wedding day, as "two of the most pivotal moments" in 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.

"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.

"It's hard sometimes, though, because allowing the person to be themselves can be pretty infuriating!"