Singer Max George has described his serious heart condition as "a blessing in ways," revealing how the experience has spurred him to champion charity work and raise vital awareness as part of his ongoing recovery.
The 37-year-old was hospitalised in December 2024, where doctors identified a 2:1 block on his heart.
His heart rate was not improving, necessitating urgent surgery. He was fitted with a pacemaker that same week, an event he candidly described as a "shock."
Since then, George has been on the mend, even returning to the stage with his duo, The Wanted 2.0, last year.
He is now actively supporting a new campaign by the British Heart Foundation (BHF), aiming to increase public understanding of individuals living with heart conditions.
Speaking to the Press Association, the singer reflected on the "really rewarding" experience of discussing his condition with others.
George first began sharing details of his heart problems publicly during his hospital stay almost two years ago, documenting his journey on Instagram, initially due to "boredom."
He said: “To interact with people was just something nice to do. But the more I spoke to people, the more I realised that there was a lot of people my age and younger that have had this happen to them.
“It kind of triggered a thought process that it was important to get the word out there – that (heart problems) don’t just happen to people over 75.
“If I can help them with their story or help bring more money towards treatment for heart conditions, then I’m all for it.”
He added: “In terms of that, this whole thing has been a blessing in ways, because it’s been really rewarding speaking to people, especially people that are younger than me, and helping them feel a little bit better about their case.”
George was diagnosed with a heart block which, according to the NHS website, is caused by a problem with the electrical pulses controlling the heartbeat and can be helped by having a pacemaker fitted to keep the heart beating regularly.
He said: “It was mad. I knew something was seriously wrong, because I could hardly breathe, and my arms and my chest were blue – and my face.
“It was a shock more than anything.
“My heart rate was so low at that time, it was at around 24 (beats per minute) and it was like that for about eight days whilst I was in hospital waiting for the operation.
“I couldn’t physically feel anything that was going on, but I was aware of it. There were times where it kind of felt like torture a little bit.”
As part of the BHF campaign, George will speak with people who have heart conditions and they will swap stories about their experiences.
He told PA he is “genuinely buzzing” to be part of the campaign, which will see the charity unveil 65 red benches – one for each year it has been established – across the UK in tribute to those living with cardiovascular disease.
Each bench carries the name of a survivor plus a short message about them and what they enjoy.
George said: “It feels really cool to be a part of it.
“This is an awesome campaign to be supporting, and we’ll just see where it goes.”
Manchester-born George rose to fame in the 2010s with The Wanted alongside bandmates Siva Kaneswaran, Jay McGuiness, Nathan Sykes and Tom Parker – who died in 2022 at the age of 33 after being diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour.
The group, best known for songs including All Time Low, Glad You Came and Chasing The Sun, had two UK number one singles and four UK top 10 albums.
George also appeared in US musical series Glee and competed on Strictly Come Dancing in 2020, where he met former EastEnders star Maisie Smith, who is now his girlfriend.
Pink dismisses rumors of separation from husband Carey Hart as ‘fake news’
Flavor Flav turns Trump’s snub of US women’s hockey team into weekend celebration
Coroner raises concerns over Wembley Stadium after Oasis fan’s death
Rolling Stones dispute Melania documentary producer’s claim about ‘Gimme Shelter’
Status Quo frontman ‘embarrassed’ by BBC Radio 1 lawsuit
Oliver ‘Power’ Grant death: Wu-Tang Clan co-founder and fashion mogul dies aged 52
