Maisie Smith holds hands with Max George as she supports him in hospital ahead of heart surgery

MAISIE Smith told of her "pride" in boyfriend Max George as he prepares to undergo emergency heart surgery.

The former EastEnders actress, 23, visited him in hospital, posting a tender picture showing the pair holding hands.

All Time Low hitmaker Max, 36, will undergo a serious operation after his condition failed to improve.

The Wanted singer was initially rushed into hospital after he felt unwell - before he revealed to fans he had to stay in due to cardiac issues.

After his emergency operation, Max has told fans he may need a pacemaker - and Maisie is clearly on-hand to support him through it all.

She took a break from her current pantomime stint to visit him in hospital.

On her Instagram Stories, she shared her bittersweet picture and the words: "Got to see my wonderful man today.

"Proud of you."

She finished her message with a white love heart.

Earlier this week, Maisie was seen putting on a brave face for selfies with fans amid the news Max will spend Christmas in hospital.

Yet she also sent a sweet message amid his terrifying health scare, with his diagnosis made after he went to hospital initially feeling unwell.

A thorough check up was carried out - before his heart condition identified.

Former soap star Maisie shared a cute message to her boyfriend of two years and wrote: "Love you Max.”

Max, who has ditched booze after previous liver problems, saw his heart rate dramatically drop last week.

He told how he will need to be fitted with a pacemaker device to help stabilise it.

The Gold Forever singer previously said of his diagnosis: “We have cancelled out a few things like alcohol for example. I have not had a drink for four and a half years, so it isn’t that.”

LOVE STORY

The duo have previously been forced to hit back at trolls who criticised their age gap relationship.

Max first met Maisie on Strictly Come Dancing and the duo later saw sparks fly on the show's tour.

The loved-up duo have been inseparable since going official in August 2022 and are also living together.

Max previously even branded his partner the "hottest thing anywhere."

The couple then fuelled speculation they were set to wed after Maisie flashed a sparkling ring while on holiday in Cyprus.