It was only night one but Max George left viewers of The Games worried as he hobbled his way to the finish line during the men's 400m. The first episode of the new ITV show aired on Monday night (May 9) and continues every night, live, throughout the rest of the week.
The series, hosted by Holly Willoughby and Freddie Flintoff from Crystal Palace, sees 12 celebrities compete in an array of sporting challenges - from diving to weight lifting - after spending 12 weeks in intense training with specialist coaches.
The first episode saw the six female stars - including TV personality and model Christine McGuinness and Emmerdale actor Rebecca Sarker - take part in a live hurdles race with singer-songwriter and footballer Chelcee Grimes pipping Phoenix Gulzar-Brown to the top spot.
READ MORE: ITV The Games viewers spot issue with live programme as they call for changes
Viewers then saw the men - including Max, former Corrie star Ryan Thomas and ex-Strictly pro and leading man Kevin Clifton, take part in a pre-recorded hammer throw event before the two teams came together for the diving element of the show, which had also been pre-recorded.
At the end of the episode, it was time for the live men's 400m where Wes Nelson won as the commentator but as he celebrated the commentator could be heard explaining: "At the back, limping over the line carrying an injury, Max George."
The 33-year-old singer was seen hobbling his way over the finish line and returned to the studio, Holly said he had picked up an injury, commenting: "Wow, that was incredibly exciting there but it did look like Max has picked up some sort of injury, we'll have an update on that on tomorrow's show."
And The Games viewers were quick to share their concerns. @Clo_TheWantedx tweeted: "Is max okay? #thegames." @dreamingeorge_ said: "Max good effort. I hope you’re ok #thegames."
But they were also quick to defend the singer who is currently in the midst of grief following the loss of his bandmate and friend, Tom Parker, who died in March more than a year after being told he had an inoperable brain tumour.
@Clo_TheWantedx said: "For max to even be present for this just shows his immeasurable strength and courage, whatever the results we’ll always be forever proud of you and Tom will be too @MaxGeorge #thegames."
"Max is doing bloody amazing, Tom will be looking down at him so proud and also pissing himself laughing at him knocking the mic over, You are doing incredible keep going @MaxGeorge we love you #TheGames," @LouiseGoodfelow tweeted.
Max also sparked worry when he shared a video of himself to his Instagram Story of him hooked up to a drip. Returning to his page to address his thousands of followers after The Games aired on ITV and laying in bed, the singer said: "Hey guys. So... I obviously pulled up earlier. The last few days have been a rough one.
"I perforated by eardrum a couple of days ago and it's been causing me a lot of dizziness. I've been on loads of medication so I think I just got dehydrated. But all good, I've been rehydrated. I'm in the hospital tomorrow to have it checked on and to make sure everything's ok and fingers crossed I get the nod to be able to do the swimming because that is an event I love."
He went on: "It's just been a rough couple of days but people have been asking what happened and if I'm alright. I'm all good, just a bit shaky with my ear and just got dehydrated because I'm on a s**t load of meds but all love and hopefully see you tomorrow."
Max then shared a snap of him again hooked up to a drip and said: "Hydrating for the big one tomorrow [Tuesday]. (And yes I got cramp in both a**e cheeks)... Well done my by @wes.nelson with the W [win]."
