Max George, star of The Wanted, has revealed that he may require open heart surgery following a sudden health scare that saw him rushed to the hospital last week.
The 36-year-old singer previously hinted that he might have to spend Christmas in the hospital as doctors investigate potential heart complications. His mother, Barbara, shed some light on the situation, saying: “Max is in the hospital right now, and he’s being very well taken care of. I took him to A&E this week, where he was examined.”
In an emotional update shared with fans on Instagram, Max disclosed that he might need a pacemaker to address an issue with the “lower part of his heart.” Speaking from his hospital bed, he explained: “The latest is that I’m 100% going to have a little friend put in here at some point,” gesturing to his heart.
Max elaborated that further tests are needed to determine the exact nature of the surgery, reports the Mirror. “I’ve got an issue with the bottom part of my heart—it’s called a block. The tricky bit is figuring out what type of pacemaker I’ll need because we don’t yet know what’s causing it.”
He continued: “We’ve ruled out some things, like alcohol —I haven’t had a drink in four-and-a-half years—so it’s not that. It’s a bit of a mystery, really. The hardest part is the waiting.”
Max admitted the process has been challenging, describing how his heart rate i s “really, really low,” and doctors are monitoring him around the clock. Despite the uncertainty, he maintained a positive outlook: “It’s just one of those things. If I need a pacemaker, I’ll just get on with it. I’m hoping it’ll work out well—I’ve heard you can do pretty good with one.”
Barbara also updated fans about her son’s care, saying, “Max is in the best place he can be right now. He’s very grateful for all the love and well-wishes from his fans, and he’s surrounded by his friends and family. They’re conducting tests to figure out the best course of action going forward.”
Max first shared news of his health scare last Thursday, recounting how he felt unwell and was rushed to the hospital. “Unfortunately, after some tests, they’ve found issues with my heart. I need more tests to understand the extent of the problem and what surgery will be needed to get me back on my feet,” he said.
While acknowledging the difficult road ahead, Max expressed gratitude for the unwavering support from his partner, Maisie Smith, her family, and his loved ones. He concluded with optimism: ” Christmas in a hospital bed wasn’t part of the plan, but I’m surrounded by love and support, and I know I’m in the best hands.”
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