Vocalist Max George has announced that he will undergo urgent heart surgery after being diagnosed with a blockage.
The Wanted member first disclosed his health issues last week, but he has now updated his followers to indicate he has received a diagnosis of a “2:1 block” and requires an operation “much sooner than the doctors initially anticipated.”
According to the NHS, heart block is a medical condition that results in a slower heartbeat or an irregular rhythm, stemming from issues with the electrical signals that govern heartbeats.
George underwent a scan on Monday after being admitted to the hospital five days prior, and noted on Instagram that his heart rate had not improved.
“Due to this situation, we don’t have much time to delay, so it appears I’ll be undergoing surgery much faster than the doctors first predicted,” remarked the 36-year-old. “I might even be back home for Christmas!”
“It’s still a pretty daunting time, and the past few nights have been particularly tough, but I wanted to express how deeply grateful I am for all your supportive messages, from both acquaintances and strangers.”
“It has truly provided me with a much-needed lift, and my family has also been overjoyed with the outpouring of support, which means everything to me.”
George shared images of himself while in the hospital and mentioned that undergoing a full CT scan of his heart would not be “an experience I’d choose to repeat!”
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The artist gained recognition with the boyband The Wanted, known for their chart-toppers including All Time Low, Glad You Came, and Chasing The Sun in the early 2010s.
He also participated in Strictly Come Dancing in 2020, where he met his current girlfriend, former EastEnders star Maisie Smith, and made appearances in the US musical series Glee and on stage in The Syndicate.
George (centre) is pictured with his bandmates from The Wanted, including the late Tom Parker (second left) in 2021
The star’s bandmate Tom Parker passed away in 2022 at the age of 33 following a diagnosis of an inoperable brain tumor 18 months prior.
Before his passing, the group had reunited to promote awareness and fundraising for brain cancer research.
George’s medical challenges arise just weeks after he announced the return of The Wanted 2.0 alongside fellow bandmate, Siva Kaneswaran.
The duo had disclosed their plan to come together once more as a pair and confirmed three live performances scheduled for 2025.
