The Wanted’s Max George returns to the stage for the first time since his heart op alongside girlfriend Maisie Smith

THE Wanted's Max George has returned to the stage for the first time since his heart operation.

Taking to the stage alongside his girlfriend Maisie Smith, Max shared a backstage snap on Instagram and said: “Stage time…”

The member of The Wanted is currently starring in Jeff Wayne's The War of the Worlds, which is touring the UK and Europe.

In the show, he plays the role of Parson Nathanielalongside his girlfriend Maisie Smith as his on-stage wife Beth.

Max, 36,was admitted to A&E last December and had heart surgery and a pacemaker fitted after doctors discovered a heart block, which caused his heart to beat abnormally.

He then recently revealed he had to undergo a secret second heart operation after his pacemaker wires were inserted too deeply.

But despite having to postpone The Wanted 2.0's Manchester Cathedral concert in February, Max seems to have recovered.

He was originally announced for the 2025 tour of Jeff Wayne’s musical back in April 2024.

A week ago he spoke out about his recovery ahead of the tour, confirming he would be heading on the road.

“It’s been a long road trip since December.. but we got here!

“Currently in rehearsals for Jeff Wayne’s ‘The War of The Worlds’ and it’s gonna be EPIC. Another arena tour to tick off the bucket list.. including the Co op Live Arena in my hometown for the first time!

“I’m playing Parson Nathaniel, Maisie is playing Beth (my wife) and Liam Neeson has a great right hook .. SPOILER ALERT.

“Genuinely can’t wait to do this... starting the 28th March,” he penned on Instagram.

Max also recently said: “Hey everyone! I’m absolutely buzzing that I’m still able to perform as Parson Nathaniel in The War Of The Worlds.

“Obviously, the last few months have been rough, but after a lot of hard work and rehabilitation, I’m back to my best and I’ll be performing throughout the whole tour.

“Getting to do this with Maisie is an experience I’m sure I’ll never forget.”

Speaking to Flying Eze on Sunday recently, Max opened up about his health and scary second operation.

“I was trying to get back to good health but was still having a flickering sensation for weeks after I had my pacemaker fitted and it was gradually getting worse and worse.

“When my heart rate went up, it was causing a shock in my heart which was making me jump all the time.

“My chest was shaking,” he added.

After several visits to the hospital, it was only when a representative from Max’s pacemaker company Medtronic was visiting the ward by chance, that they were able to get to the bottom of his discomfort.

He was booked in for his second operation straight away, on January 15, but was warned that the rare situation could cause a dangerous bleed on his heart.

He said: “The night before, I was really nervous, I didn’t sleep much.

“I was worried it could go wrong again and felt anxious that it could bleed out.”;

But the operation went well and he was “pleased it had gone successfully”.