Singer Max George has been spotted for the first time out and about following his heart surgery.
Last month, The Wanted singer was admitted to hospital just before Christmas Day after a worrying detection of an irregular heartbeat. Max, 36, underwent life-saving surgery which saw him fitted with a pacemaker, reports the Mirror.
Max seemed upbeat as he was seen in public for the first time post-operation as he enjoyed a day out with his mum Barbara George and his beloved pitfall dog Albert, near his mum’s house in Salford. The star was laughing and joking with his mum and seemed to be in good spirits as he braved the cold for a chilly winters walk.
Wrapped up in a camouflage print dry robe and a black New York Yankees beanie hat, Max and mum Barbara enjoyed some quality time together after his recent health scare. Since his departure from hospital, the Glad You Came singer has updated fans with updates about his recovery journey. On New Year’s Day, Max took to social media, sharing a heartfelt carousel of pictures: varying from vibrant stage performances to sweet moments with his girlfriend Maisie Smith, the moving scar from his operation, and the sobering visuals of his hospital stay.
Max poignantly penned: “2024.. Certainly a year I won’t forget! So lucky to have the life that I have. I can’t wait for the next chapter, no matter what challenges lie ahead.” He expressed his hopeful sentiment for both himself and his fans, saying: “I wish everyone an amazing night tonight.. and that 2025 brings you good health and the best year!”
The Strictly Come Dancing star previously opened up to followers about the ‘block’ in his heart, stating that his surgical procedure lasted around two and a half hours. Alongside his posts was a photo of Max showcasing his surgery scar, just beneath a tattoo marking the birth date of the late Tom Parker, his bandmate who died in March 2022.
Since returning home, Max has been spending time with his girlfriend Maisie and their beloved dog. However, earlier this week the star faced another health hurdle as he seeked advice about pacemakers ahead of a hospital trip. Sharing his concerns on Instagram, Max said: “Hey guys, hope you’re good. Just a little update and… well, actually, a question for those of you that have been in touch that have a pacemaker done.”
He explained his symptoms: “I’m in the hospital tomorrow for another check-up because I’ve been getting this like flicking feeling in the left hand side of my chest. I’m actually getting it now. And I was wondering if you guys maybe knew what that might be or you’ve experienced it yourself, cause the doctors aren’t too sure.”
Max went on to say: “So hopefully it will be… y’know maybe it’s touching a nerve and it will go away in time, or they may have to move the wires slightly but I’m all ears because all I’m doing at the moment is y’know doing research and stuff cause I know nothing about pacemakers. This came completely out of the blue. So any information that I can get would be much appreciated. […] Thanks again guys.”
Max shared an update about his health in December, expressing gratitude for his new pacemaker: “Say hello to my little friend! Given the last 10 days, this is the best Christmas present I could have ever wished for. Pacemaker is in. Operation took around 2 and half hours. The main issue being some of my veins had collapsed where the wires were meant to go… But the hospital surgeons, doctors and nurses at the NHS have been incredible.”
“I owe everything to them. The surgeon kindly put my pacemaker just underneath a very special tattoo of mine.. So I’m sure it’s being looked after. Few more tests to do due to inflamed lymph nodes on my lungs, but that’ll be easy work! Time to rest and then tackle life full on once again. Thank you for all your support. It’s meant a hell of a lot to myself and my family.”
In a clip shared late on Christmas Eve, Max said he was waiting for his girlfriend, actress Maisie Smith, to join him, describing it as the “best present ever”. He first met Maisie, former Eastenders icon, when they both competed on Strictly Come Dancing in 2020, and they claimed their romance began in 2022.
Maisie, 23, is currently starring in a pantomime production of Beauty And The Beast at the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury, Kent. She performed on Christmas Eve and Boxing Day. In another clip shared from his hospital bed earlier in the day, Max confessed he was “knackered” but that his “numbers are way better”.
“Few more tests to do over the next couple of weeks, something to do with my lungs, but that’s the least of my worries right now. All good, bit battered and bruised and knackered, but…” he added as he gave a thumbs up to the camera.
Before finding love with Maisie, Max was in another high-profile relationship with former Corrie star Michelle Keegan – who recently revealed she and husband Mark Wright were expecting a baby.
The couple, 24 and 23 at that time, started dating back in 2010, going public with the romance come December. Prior to the announcement, Max let slip to New! magazine about their budding love life: “Yes, we are seeing each other. She’s just beautiful. She’s an awesome girl. She’s a funny girl – and I love her accent too… it’s early days though.”
Their relationship quickly blossomed, with Max proposing in June 2011, only half a year after meeting. However, as quickly as it blossomed; it crumbled. Their £250,000 celeb-packed wedding never to be.
‘Hectic work schedules’ were publicly blamed, insiders claiming the couple agreed to pump the brakes on their relationship after a rocky few months.
Michelle went on to date The Only Way Is Essex star Mark Wright, 37, and the pair tied the knot in lavish ceremony back in May 2015.
Almost ten years on, they are now starting a family together – with Michelle managing to cleverly hide her growing baby bump over recent weeks before announcing her pregnancy to fans on December 29.
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