MAX George has revealed that he is set to undergo major heart surgery after a terrifying dash to hospital.
The singer, 36, posted a photo of himself lying in a hospital bed giving a thumb’s up — and told fans that he considered himself “very lucky”.
It comes just two years after his Wanted bandmate and best pal Tom Parker died of brain cancer aged just 33.
He took to social media on Thursday to share a health update.
Max said he was given a “huge shock” when told he had problems with his heart after feeling ill and will be having tests to gauge the extent.
He posted online: “Hey everyone. Yesterday I felt really unwell and was taken in to hospital.
“Unfortunately after some tests they’ve found that I have some issues with my heart.”
The TV star, who is dating EastEnders actress Maisie Smith, said he would need surgery before he returns home.
“I have a lot more tests to determine the extent of the problems and what surgery I will need to get me back on my feet,” he went on to say.
Max explained that he would be remaining in hospital over the festive period – but was thankful for the support of his girlfriend and family.
He shared: “It’s gonna be a difficult few weeks/months… and Christmas in a hospital bed wasn’t exactly what I had planned!
“But, as always, I’m surrounded with love and support by my wonderful partner Maisie, her family, my family and friends.. and I’m 100 per cent in the best place.”
The pop star added: “Although this is a huge shock and no doubt a set back, it’s something I’ll take on with all I’ve got! I count myself very lucky that this was caught when it was.
“Apologies if I bore you with updates in the coming weeks..I’ve probably got a month in a bed and there’s not THAT much to do!
“Let’s do this!. Much love. Max x”
Maisie and Max both competed in Strictly Come Dancing 2020 and became good friends while on the show.
In the summer of 2022, they became a romantic item and they moved in together last year.
Maisie waved Essex goodbye and relocated to Manchester to be with Max and they began renovating their own home together.
There is a 13-year age gap between the pair but they have always been too loved up to pay attention to any criticism surrounding it.
Maisie told The Sun’s Fabulous Magazine in February: “If it wasn’t that, it would be something else.
“People don’t understand what goes on behind closed doors in a relationship, and I think they also forget that I’m a consenting 21-year-old woman who’s actually been working longer than Max!
“I don’t notice the age difference and neither do my friends or family. My mum Julia is the one who reads through all the comments. I got a message from her yesterday, saying, ‘Just ignore them, you two were made for each other’.
“I think that just puts it into perspective. I really don’t care what a random person thinks of my relationship when everyone I do care about is incredibly supportive. I’ve been in the business long enough to know you have to have a thick skin.”
Max previously told how he suffered from alcoholism — but turned a new leaf after Tom’s devastating diagnosis in 2020.
The dad of two died two years later.
Max said on Channel 4’s Scared Of The Dark: “I don’t think I’ll ever be OK with it.
“One of the last things I said to him was — I thanked him for making my life so much better than what it ever could have been.
“He was my best friend.”