The Wanted star Max George has revealed he will be spending Christmas in hospital to undergo heart surgery.
In a message to fans on Thursday, the singer, 36, said he was rushed to hospital on Wednesday after suddenly becoming unwell.
While not disclosing what was behind the health scare, he said he was “very lucky that this was caught when it was”.
He wrote on Instagram: “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.
“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.
“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 [Smith], her family, my family and friends.. and I’m 100% in the best place.
“Although this is a huge shock and no doubt a setback, 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!”
George gained prominence with The Wanted, who had hit songs All Time Low and Heart Vacancy, and was in US musical series Glee and his band’s reality series The Wanted Life.
He is dating former EastEnders star Maisie Smith after striking up a relationship with her when they both appeared on the Strictly Come Dancing live show.
The Wanted’s other members are Siva Kaneswaran, Jay McGuiness, Nathan Sykes and the late Tom Parker, who tragically passed away in March 2022 with a stage 4 brain tumour.
George later paid a moving tribute to his former bandmate by getting a tattoo of his birth date.
