Maisie Smith Speaks Out on Boyfriend Max George's Hospitalisation
As The Wanted singer Max George faces another emergency hospital admission for ongoing heart complications, his partner of four years, actress Maisie Smith, has candidly discussed the emotional strain of their separation during this challenging period. The former EastEnders star, currently touring the UK in the stage production of The Talented Mr Ripley, revealed the personal toll of being away from George while he undergoes medical treatment.
Max George's Latest Health Scare
On Tuesday morning, Max George was rushed to hospital just one year after having a pacemaker fitted. The singer shared a photograph from his hospital bed alongside a frustrated message: "What now ffs. This s**t ALWAYS happens in the middle of the night." He later posted a selfie on his social media stories with the caption "Running HOT," while expressing concern for his pet Pitbull, Albert.
This marks the latest in a series of health battles for George, who previously underwent emergency heart surgery following his pacemaker implantation in 2024. Last month, he explained he was undergoing tests after multiple heart surgeries, stating: "I am in the building where I had all my heart surgeries. I can't say it is good to be back because it is not."
Life on the Road Away from Her Partner
Maisie Smith admitted to the Mirror that being separated from George while touring can be particularly difficult given his health struggles. "It was lovely working with Max, we enjoyed it, but it can be hard to be away from each other," she confessed. The actress finds comfort in her family's support, explaining that her parents often travel to visit her in their camper van during her tours.
"What I love is that, with my family in particular, they have a camper van and often, wherever I'm at, my mum will say, 'Can you send me your schedule for the next few months?' And they'll drive up and come and stay with me for the week, which is lush," Smith shared. She also enjoys exploring different locations with her castmates during days off, visiting museums and enjoying tea and cakes together.
The Couple's Strict Television Rule
At their Manchester home, where Smith relocated from Essex to live with George, the couple maintains one firm rule regarding their viewing habits. "We have to watch the shows we both want to see together - that's the rule!" Smith revealed. She cited their recent viewing of The Hunger Games films, noting that they haven't watched the final installment because she's been away on tour. "I'm like, you're not watching it until I'm back!" she insisted.
During her rare downtime, Smith enjoys rewatching favourite shows like Gilmore Girls and Suits to help with her insomnia. The couple managed to enjoy some precious time together in December with a skiing holiday in Switzerland, which Smith described as "lovely, just me and Max." She explained: "It was my first Christmas away from home, which was very different, but I think, after the year that Max and I had, we needed our own little trip."
Maisie's Theatrical Career and Future Projects
Smith is currently captivating audiences with her portrayal of Marge in The Talented Mr Ripley, a role made famous by Gwyneth Paltrow in the 1999 film adaptation. The actress deliberately avoided watching the film before taking on the stage role to develop her own interpretation. "Gwyneth did it her way, and I wanted to do it my way," she explained. "I don't want to feel like I'm copying or trying not to copy."
The production explores alternative scenarios through its narrative approach, which Smith finds particularly exciting. "There are moments in the show where we act out all the various alternative scenarios that could happen. That's what is quite exciting about live theatre - we can really take it to the extreme," she said.
Following her current tour, which continues until May, Smith has planned a Caribbean holiday with her family to celebrate her parents' 25th wedding anniversary in Antigua. "I feel like I deserve a bit of sun. My pale skin is turning blue at the minute," she joked. After a summer break, she will return to the stage in Manchester to play Audrey in a major revival of Little Shop of Horrors at Hope Mill Theatre from September 25th.
Reflections on EastEnders and Reality Television
Despite her successful theatre career, Smith maintains strong connections to her EastEnders roots, though she was unable to participate in the show's 40th anniversary due to touring commitments. She praised the demanding nature of soap acting, revealing that actors can film up to twelve scenes daily during busy periods.
Smith also reflected on her experience on Celebrity SAS in 2020, describing it as "brutal," while remaining open to future reality television projects that fit around her acting schedule. Although she doubts she'd excel as a Traitor, she believes she might make a decent Faithful, admitting: "I'm not a great liar."
The actress continues to dance socially with friends and maintains contact with her former Strictly partner Gorka Márquez, whom she described as "lovely and sweet." When asked about potential Strictly hosts, she suggested AJ Odudu would be an excellent choice, praising her personality and recalling how Odudu once stepped in for her on tour after breaking her foot before the final.
