Inside The Wanted's Max George's health battles as star faces Christmas heart surgery
The Wanted singer Max George was admitted to the hospital on Wednesday, and tests have revealed "some issues" with his heart, which means he may require surgery. This is the latest health blow for the 36-year-old star, who has battled with depression and alcoholism in the past.
Max has always been very transparent about his health issues, and earlier this week, he informed his followers about his latest health scare, writing on Instagram: "Hey everyone. Yesterday I felt really unwell and was taken into 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, her family, my family and friends... and I'm 100% in the best place."
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He added: "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 a bed and there's not THAT much to do!"
Max hasn't disclosed what the heart condition is, only that it was picked up after he was taken to hospital after feeling unwell.
It comes two years after his bandmate Tom Parker died aged 33 following a battle with brain cancer. According to The Daily Mail, Max stopped drinking at the time Tom fell ill after confirming he used alcohol to help with anxiety. He previously told the publication he once drank "10 pints and three bottles of wine in one night" while celebrating his birthday.
Speaking on Channel 4's Scared Of The Dark about his drinking, Max said: "I would always be p***ed before we performed. I struggled to adapt so I used to drink to make myself feel like it didn't bother me. It's quite hard sometimes to differentiate between anxiety and depression, but mine was certainly more the anxiety side, which started when the boys got to number one with All Time Low."
Last March, Max confirmed he had not touched booze for 18 months - adding: "It has been good, it's easier to keep fit… so yeah, everything's pretty clear now."
He also addressed how his bandmate's heartbreaking death impacted him as they were "best friends". Max emotionally shared on the show: "I don't think I'll ever be okay with it, you know. One of the last things I said to him was - I thanked him for making my life so much better than what it ever could have been, you know, like that whole journey through being in the band.
"He was my best friend. F**k. I just don't want it to be like a burden or a thing with anyone else."
A decade ago, Max suffered from depression after his band went on an indefinite hiatus in 2014.
Talking on the podcast Private Parts, Max said: "I had a three-month period in my life where I couldn't leave my apartment without being sick. My head was spinning. I couldn't walk. So I ended up in hospital having scans on my brain, and it was all down to being depressed."
Earlier this year, he suffered another health issue when he showed off a bruised and swollen eye to fans. He revealed the bruise on social media which had guaze strips over the eye lid. The post was later deleted and he did not confirm how he got the swollen eye.
As he waits to find out whether he'll need to undergo surgery, fans and famous faces have been flocking to his Instagram to share their well-wishes for the star. “Oh my goodness, hope all OK & you’re back on your feet soon xx,” wrote Charlotte Hawkins. “Get well soon Max,” added Westlife's Nicky Byrne.
“Oh gosh, Max, sending you all the love. I hope you feel much better soon. Strongest person I know, hoping you recover very soon,” a fan added.
