Singer's Health Crisis
Max George, the 36-year-old singer from The Wanted, has provided an exclusive health update after being rushed to hospital for emergency heart scans. The Manchester-born performer revealed the terrifying moment he discovered his heart was beating dangerously out of rhythm, just days before he was due to embark on tour.
The singer experienced an arrhythmia where the top half of his heart was beating at 50 beats per minute while the bottom half raced at 160 beats per minute. Speaking candidly to The Mirror, George described the episode as "scary" but confirmed he's now stabilised with medication.
Life with a Pacemaker
This recent health scare comes almost a year after George underwent surgery to have a pacemaker fitted. The musician explained that the device has necessitated significant lifestyle changes, particularly around physical activities he once enjoyed.
"Getting used to life that's a little bit different," George admitted. "Stuff like exercise, I have to be careful doing too much because I depend on my pacemaker. I have to not damage it, doing things like football, skiing, stuff that I love doing, which is hard."
The health issues emerged unexpectedly last year shortly after George returned home from touring America. "It was crazy. It literally came out of nowhere," he recalled. "I've just been on this tour in America, everything was fine, and it just happened at home. It was a massive shock, and before I knew it, I was at home with a pacemaker."
Recovery Setbacks and Future Plans
George's road to recovery hasn't been straightforward. The singer disclosed that he suffered a significant setback when he needed to undergo the pacemaker operation a second time. "It took six or seven months to heal and get used to it, but I'm not too bad now," he shared.
Looking ahead to the festive season, George and his girlfriend, former EastEnders star Maisie Smith, plan to celebrate away from medical facilities. The couple are heading to Switzerland for a Christmas skiing holiday, though George joked there would be "no blacks or red runs" given his health considerations.
George praised Smith's supportive nature and strong mindset, particularly highlighting her achievement on Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins. "She's very stubborn, but that's a good thing, I think. She's awesome," he gushed about his partner of three years.
The singer also revealed how he maintains his mental health during challenging times. "I try keep myself busy," he said, noting that walks with his British bulldog Albert have been therapeutic. "My pacemaker has been great for Albert. I like to get outside and get some fresh air, and not just sit in the house."
George recently surprised Guides and Rangers in Burnage, Manchester, where he helped the teens work toward their Music and Fandom interest badges. The event was in preparation for Girlguiding's Big Gig performance at OVO Arena Wembley, scheduled for October 10, 2026 - which coincidentally falls on World Mental Health Day.
Reflecting on his health journey, George maintained a positive outlook: "It is what it is, you have to get on with it." His resilience serves as an inspiration to fans facing similar health challenges.
