Actress Maisie Smith has candidly shared the challenges of maintaining a long-distance relationship with her partner, singer Max George, as she tours the UK while he grapples with serious health complications following heart surgery. The 24-year-old star, currently performing in the stage production of The Talented Mr Ripley, described the situation as 'hard' in a recent interview, highlighting the strain of being apart during his medical ordeal.
Navigating Distance and Health Crises
Maisie Smith and Max George, 37, previously enjoyed working together on the 2025 production of The War Of The Worlds, but their dynamic has shifted significantly. Smith told the Mirror that while their time on the road was 'lovely,' the current separation is proving difficult. This sentiment was amplified earlier this week when George was rushed to hospital on Monday night, sharing a photo from A&E that revealed ongoing issues with his pacemaker.
Max George's Ongoing Medical Journey
Max George's health struggles have been a persistent concern since late last year. In December 2024, he was fitted with a pacemaker after his mother, Babs, noticed he had 'turned blue' and insisted on an emergency hospital visit. Since then, he has undergone a second procedure to correct a misplaced wire and has regularly updated his followers on his hospital visits.
On Tuesday morning, George took to Instagram to reveal he was back in Accident and Emergency in the middle of the night, posting a photo with a cannula in his arm. He expressed frustration, captioning it: 'what now ffs... This sh** ALWAYS happens in the middle of the night.' In a subsequent selfie, he appeared with a bright red face covered by a towel, simply stating: 'Running HOT.'
Recent Hospital Visits and Scans
This latest hospital visit follows a series of medical appointments for George. Just weeks prior, he returned for a scan, sharing a clip on his Stories while waiting outside an X-ray area. He explained: 'I've just had a scan done on my chest because I've had a bit of an issue with one of my lungs, apparently.' Despite the setback, he remained optimistic, signing off with a thumbs-up and wishing his followers a good weekend.
The Impact on Their Relationship
For Maisie Smith, touring without Max George has added emotional weight to their long-distance dynamic. The former EastEnders actress acknowledged the difficulty of being away from each other, especially during his health crises. As George continues to navigate his recovery, with frequent hospital trips and scans, the couple faces the dual challenges of physical separation and ongoing medical uncertainty.
Smith's revelation sheds light on the personal toll of George's condition, which has included multiple A&E visits and procedures since his initial diagnosis of heart arrhythmia late last year. Their experience underscores the complexities of maintaining a relationship amid touring schedules and serious health issues, with both partners adapting to an unpredictable situation.
