A Rollercoaster Year of Health Battles

Former EastEnders star Maisie Smith has shared a moving update on her boyfriend, The Wanted singer Max George, after a year filled with frightening health struggles. Speaking at the Tric Awards, Maisie admitted the ordeal has completely transformed how the couple views life — and brought them even closer together.

Max, 36, was diagnosed with an atrioventricular block, a condition that disrupts the heart’s rhythm. Last December, he underwent surgery to have a pacemaker fitted, which he described as the “best Christmas present” he could have received. But complications soon followed, and in February he was forced to have another surgery to reposition the device’s leads.

Reflecting on the procedure, Max revealed: “The second pacemaker surgery took about two hours. So far, it seems to have been a success and they kindly let me listen to Oasis the whole time. It’s been a setback, but I’m sure I’ll be back on top form in no time.”

Maisie’s Relief and New Outlook on Life

Maisie, who turns 24 this week, confessed the experience has given both of them a new perspective. “It has just made us realise how important life is and how much we’ve just got to live in the moment – you never know what’s around the corner,” she said. “We’re definitely more impulsive now and we know that anything is possible.”

She added proudly: “Max is good – he’s getting stronger every day. I’m so proud of how he’s handled it too.”

The couple, who first met on Strictly Come Dancing in 2020 and confirmed their romance two years later, are now planning a summer getaway to France, celebrating brighter days after a difficult year.

A Love Story Born on Strictly

Their friendship began during the COVID-hit series of Strictly Come Dancing, with Maisie reaching the final alongside partner Gorka Márquez, while Max exited in week four. Sparks flew when they both joined the first post-pandemic Strictly live arena tour in 2022. By that summer, they were spotted holidaying together in Crete, and have been inseparable ever since.

Most recently, they even shared the stage in Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of The War of the Worlds, playing a married couple — a professional partnership that mirrored their real-life love.

Maisie’s Career and EastEnders Future

Maisie has since shifted her focus to musical theatre, taking roles in Beauty and the Beast and War of the Worlds. While she admits she has no immediate plans to return to Albert Square, she hasn’t ruled it out completely. “With EastEnders, you never know. Never say never. I grew up there and it is my home, but right now I’m loving doing my theatre work.”

At the Tric Awards, where EastEnders scooped the Soap of the Year trophy, Maisie enjoyed a reunion with her former castmates. She also took her mum Julia — who doubles as her manager — as her plus-one. “I’ve brought my mum along today. I take her everywhere,” Maisie laughed.

Stronger Than Ever

Through health scares, surgeries, and career shifts, Maisie and Max have shown resilience both individually and as a couple. With Max regaining strength and Maisie thriving on stage, the pair are embracing life more fearlessly than ever.

Their story is no longer just about survival — it’s about seizing every moment together.