From Shakespeare’s tragic Romeo and Juliet to Titanic’s socially mismatched Jack and Rose, the world of fiction is awash with star-crossed lovers who somehow find each other against all odds.
But as the old saying goes, sometimes the truth is stranger – just ask Max George and Maisie Smith.
While their unexpected love story doesn’t exactly fit Shakespear’s classic mold, or even fill the pages of a Hollywood script, it has generated its fair share of unwanted drama — not least on social media.
Knives were already being sharpened before the pair confirmed their romance in 2022, with Max’s ex-girlfriend Stacey Giggs claiming he cheated on Maisie while they were still together.
But despite the sentencing, both have taken a refreshing approach to the lukewarm reception they received when announcing their romance — namely, keep calm and carry on.
If you’re glad you came, read on for all the details – romantic and otherwise – about their whirlwind romance…
Real love? While Max George and Maisie Smith’s romance doesn’t exactly fit a classic Shakespearean mold, it has nonetheless attracted its fair share of unwanted drama.
HOW OLD ARE MAX AND MAISIE?
The poisoned chalice – at least as far as social media is concerned – seems to be their notable age gap, with former EastEnders star Maisie still just 21, while pop star Max is 33.
That will change soon enough, however, when Maisie turns 22 on July 9, and Max celebrates his 34th birthday two months later and celebrates his 34th birthday on September 6.
Speak against HELLO! in November, The Wanted star admitted the age difference “never crossed his mind” when he met Maisie – a self-proclaimed fan of his band.
He said, “It never crosses my mind. Maisie has done so many things that I’m in awe of – I look up to her.”
Maisie added: ‘People ask me, “Do you notice?” and I never have. We are so like-minded. I have friends in their thirties and forties. You connect with whom you connect.’
Smitten: Both have taken a refreshing approach to the lukewarm reception they received after announcing their romance — namely, keep calm and carry on
WHAT DID THEY SAY ABOUT THEIR RELATIONSHIP?
The couple have been refreshingly open about their relationship – a decision no doubt prompted by allegations of infidelity to Max by his ex-girlfriend.
They have also taken a philosophical stance regarding the routine trolling they have received online regarding the obvious age difference.
Speak against The sun on Sunday in March, Maisie said, “If it wasn’t, it would be something else.” People don’t understand what goes on behind closed doors in a relationship, and I think they also forget that I’m a consenting 21 year old woman who has actually been working longer than Max!
“I don’t notice the age difference and neither do my friends or family. My mother Julia is the one who reads all the comments. I got a message from her yesterday saying, “Just ignore them, you guys are made for each other.
“I think that just puts it into perspective. I really don’t care what a random person thinks of my relationship when everyone I care about is incredibly supportive. I’ve been in the business long enough to know you have to have a thick skin.”
Loved-up: The couple officially broke up with their relationship in August and moved in together just weeks after meeting on Strictly Come Dancing’s live arena tour
Couple: Maisie revealed her mum has ‘never seen me happier’ when she discussed her relationship with Max on Loose Women in November
During their first TV appearance as a couple on the daytime panel show Loose Women in August 2022, Max spoke about the rumors leading up to their going public.
“Speculation drove that more than we would have in the beginning, but once it got there, we do everything here, it was kind of like being out there,” he said.
“If we’re going to do something, we might as well get it out there, because there’s nothing we won’t do.”
Maisie added: ‘The people we allow into our lives are so lucky. Mom has never seen me so happy. That’s all that really matters to me.’
To put it there: the pair have been refreshingly open about their relationship – a decision no doubt bolstered by allegations of infidelity to Max by his ex-girlfriend
Inking: Max recently showed his love for Maisie when he debuted a new tattoo of his girlfriend’s face on his arm
WHEN DO THEY COME TOGETHER?
The couple originally met during their appearance on the 18th series of Strictly Come Dancing in 2020, in which Maisie was romantically involved with YouTuber HRVY and Max was still in a relationship with former WAG Stacey Giggs.
But their friendship quickly escalated after the subsequent Strictly UK tour brought them closer together during long days on the road.
Max told Loose Women, ‘When we had the Strictly tour she told me everything – way too much. About boys, things I don’t want to know!’
The pair eventually confirmed their relationship after they were spotted sharing a kiss while flying to Crete in August 2022.
A source told The sun at the time ‘they were all over each other. This is not a flash in the pan. Max has been telling people he’s falling in love with Maisie.”
One passenger said: ‘They looked like a very much loved couple – they were all over each other for the entire four hour flight. Kissing and giggling like any new couple.’
However, Stacey Giggs was said to be devastated by their romance, with friends claiming it started before his relationship with the brunette had run its course.
According to The sun She told a friend, “To see them dating in public so soon after I dumped him is like a dagger to the heart. Max cheated on me with Maisie. I asked him about her, but he denied anything had happened.
“After all I’ve done for him, I can’t believe he would be so rude and disrespectful. He’s a lying dog. I feel betrayed.’
Close: The couple confirmed their relationship after they were spotted sharing a kiss while flying to Crete in August 2022