Max George's troubling past health woes as he's hospitalised with serious heart issue

Former Strictly Come Dancing contestant Max George has spoken about various health issues over the years after having found fame as a member of the band the Wanted

It was announced earlier this week that singer Max George has been in hospital due to "some issues" with his heart.

Max, 36 - known for having been a member of the band the Wante d - shared the news on Instagram, telling fans that he had felt "really unwell" on Wednesday. He suggested that he might have surgery once doctors have run "more tests".

It isn't the first time that Max has given an insight into his health, with him having spoken about past experiences over the years. He notably pulled out of a project months ago and teased a mysterious swollen eye this year too.

Earlier this year, Max pulled out of a touring production of the late Kay Mellor's the Syndicate, which was directed by her daughter Gaynor Faye. He had been due to appear beside former Coronation Street cast member Brooke Vincent and former Emmerdale star Samantha Giles.

It was however announced in March - the month before the tour's opening night - that he would no longer be part of the cast due to "personal reasons". Max suggested that it was related to his health in a statement issued at the time.

He said: "Really gutted but for personal reasons I won't be taking part in The Syndicate. It's gonna be an amazing show and I wish Gaynor and all the cast all the luck in the world. I'll be there to cheer you all on once I'm feeling better."

The following month, Max sparked concern when he shared a photo of himself sporting an apparent bruised and swollen eye, which he reportedly later deleted. He appeared to have gauze strips covering his eyelid in it.

The caption read: "How it feels to be a city fan. Tough week. So proud of our boys. What character." Manchester City, who Max supports, had just made it through to an FA Cup final days after losing a Champions League quarter-final. Manager Pep Guardiola suggested that their defeat in the latter tournament had been like a "punch in the face".

Max has previously spoken about his mental health too, including having experienced depression. He told the Daily Mail three years ago that he had physical symptoms and suggested at the time that 2015 was his "worst year".

Asked about being diagnosed with anxiety and depression, he told 5 News in 2022: "I was really ill to the point where I couldn't really get out of bed. [...] I thought that I was seriously ill. I went for scans and all sorts and they were just saying 'look there's nothing there'." He however added that a doctor later identified anxiety and depression.

Sharing a message for anyone struggling with their mental health, Max said in the interview: "It can affect anybody. It affected me at the best times of my life but I think one thing I would say is there is help there that doesn't cost a load of money. It's the NHS - it's there for free. I genuinely would advise people if they're struggling, just pick the phone up, because just talking about it is a massive step."

Max, who went sober a few years ago, reportedly shared once that he had stopped drinking after a doctor told him that his liver count was "pretty low". He opened up whilst filming Channel 4's Scared Of The Dark.

As reported by the Sun last year, Max said that he had used alcohol to help him "adapt" to being in the spotlight earlier in his career. He also said that his "biggest mistake" had been "bottling up emotion," with him adding: "I did that for a long time and probably covered it up with other things."

He was quoted as having further shared: "The doctor looked at my liver [at one point] and said my liver count was pretty low, I'm not messing with my liver. So I stopped."

It was reported at the time that Max suggested that his late bandmate Tom Parker's cancer diagnosis had also contributed to his decision to stop drinking. Tom died in 2022 after having been diagnosed with a brain tumour.

Max shared his latest update on his own health on Thursday. The post included a photo of him lying in a bed whilst wearing a hospital gown. He wrote about his recent hospitalisation in the caption that accompanied it.

He said in the post this week: "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."

Max continued by telling fans: "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% in the best place."

He concluded: "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 bed and there's not THAT much to do! Let's do this."

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