Max George, the beloved frontman of The Wanted, has recently undergone emergency heart surgery to have a pacemaker fitted, addressing serious heart issues diagnosed earlier this month. The 36-year-old singer, grateful for the timely procedure, has humorously dubbed it the 'best Christmas present' he could have wished for amid his health scare.
Last week, after feeling unwell, George was admitted to the hospital where tests revealed he was suffering from atrioventricular heart block—a condition where the heart beats more slowly or with abnormal rhythms. His surgery, which lasted around two and half hours, came “way quicker than the doctors first thought,” he shared.
Complications during the surgery arose when some of his veins collapsed at the insertion points where wires were meant to connect. “The main issue being some of my veins had collapsed where the wires were meant to go… But the surgeons and nurses at the NHS have been incredible. I owe everything to them,” he said, posting on Instagram to keep fans updated on his recovery.
Max's relationship with his late bandmate Tom Parker remains close to his heart. He honored Parker by placing the pacemaker under the tattoo of Parker's birth date, August 4, 1988, which he has inked on his body. “So I’m sure it’s being looked after,” he joked, referring to the meaningful tattoo as he shared images of his recovery.
Unfortunately, shortly after the operation, Max had to adjust to unforeseen circumstances when he accidentally flooded his hospital room at 2 AM. He explained the mishap to his followers with characteristic humor: “Just got out of bed then; 2am it is. My feet just wentinto about a foot of water. I left my, I left my sink on and it blocked.” After the incident, he was moved to another room, showing his optimism by stating, “So I've got a nice new gaff. It's pretty sound.”
Despite the unexpected chaos, George’s spirits are lifted by the support from his girlfriend, Maisie Smith, known for her role on EastEnders. Smith plans to visit him on Christmas Day, undertaking a lengthy 500-mile round trip to be by his side. “We’re still talking every day and FaceTiming. I’m still trying to be there as much as I can be,” she said, expressing her dedication to supporting him during his recovery.
Smith has been juggling her commitments amid their relationship, committed to her panto show yet always keeping her boyfriend on her mind. “He seems in happier spirits. It was lovely to see him because we're quite far away from each other, so it was lovely to see him and his family,” she noted, highlighting the challenges coupled with Max’s hospitalization.
Looking forward, George remains positive about his recovery, even addressing looming health concerns. While he has expressed gratitude for the NHS staff who have helped him, he still requires tests for inflamed lymph nodes on his lungs, which he described as “easy work” compared with the surgery he underwent. “Time to rest and then tackle life full on once again,” George added with resilience.
Your steadfast support, love, and messages have evidently meant the world to him as he navigates this arduous time.
