Max George sparked concern among fans after revealing he has withdrawn from his upcoming performance for ‘personal reasons’.
The Wanted star, 35, who was set to star in The Syndicate alongside Brooke Vincent, 31, next month, took to Instagram on Saturday afternoon to post a statement for his fans.
He wrote: ‘Hey everyone. Really upset, but for personal reasons I am not participating in “The Syndicate”.
“It’s going to be a great show and I wish Gaynor and the whole cast all the luck in the world. I’ll be there to cheer you all on once I feel better! MG,” he concluded.
However, the statement comes after Max’s fans noticed he was missing from the latest promo for the piece.
Max George sparked concern among fans after revealing he has withdrawn due to ‘personal reasons’
One fan wondered: ‘Is it true that Max is really bad and won’t perform?’
A second added: ‘Max not doing it anymore?’
While a third wondered: ‘What about Max, we haven’t been told about Max.’
After he released his statement on social media, fans rushed to Instagram and X (formerly known as Twitter) to express their concerns and wish the star well.
One fan expressed his dismay, saying: ‘I’m absolutely devastated that @MaxGeorge has left The Syndicate show. He was the only reason we booked tickets. But I hope he’s doing well. Sending all my love and support to you Max. I hope you get better soon.’
A second added: ‘I can’t believe Max George mentioned the only reason I went.’
While a third fan wished him well, adding: ‘Get well soon darling.’
MailOnline has contacted Max’s representatives for comment.
The Wanted hunk, 35, who was set to star alongside Brooke Vincent, 31, in The Syndicate next month, took to his Instagram on Saturday afternoon to post a statement to his fans
The statement comes after the singer was set to star in the play as a supermarket assistant called Jamie, alongside former Coronation Street actress Brooke, who would have played his sister-in-law Amy.
The comedy-drama is based on the hit BBC One series The Syndicate, which tells the story of five supermarket workers whose lottery numbers come in just as their jobs and livelihoods are threatened.
It is the latest play created by legendary writer Kay Mellor, who was also behind Fat Friends, and stars former Emmerdale favorite Samantha Giles, 52, as Denise, and is directed by ex-soap star Gaynor Faye, Kay’s daughter.
The production would have been Max’s first attempt at acting since his 2015 appearance in the American series Glee.
About his new role at the time, Max said: ‘I’m thrilled that my stage debut role is in The Syndicate.
“I’m such a big fan of Kay’s work and it’s an honor to be part of this world premiere tour. I feel like I’ve won the lottery.’
After he released his statement on social media, fans rushed to Instagram and X (formerly known as Twitter) to express their concerns and wish the star well.
As well as playing a crucial role in the success of boy band The Wanted, Max has boosted his profile in recent years by starring in a series of reality shows.
He appeared in the 2020 series of Strictly Come Dancing, finishing ninth alongside partner Dianne Buswell, before taking part in the ITV series The Games last year and Channel 4’s 2022 Scared of the Dark.
The year after appearing on Strictly, Max was invited on the dancing show’s national tour when he struck up a romance with co-star Maisie Smith and the pair now live together in Manchester.
In 2022, he was forced to defend their thirteen-year age difference, telling Hello!: ‘It never crosses my mind. Maisie has done so many things that I’m in awe of – I look up to her.’
The interview comes before Max wows at his audition for The Syndicate, which opens at the Richmond Theater on April 11 and will run for 14 weeks, according to 52-year-old Gaynor, who has sung her praises for the cast of the show.
She said: ‘I’m delighted to welcome these three super-talented actors to The Syndicate’s UK tour.
However, the statement comes after Max’s fans noticed he was missing from the latest promo for the play and began wondering if he would still perform.
‘I’ve worked with Sam a lot over the years and she’s great fun and a brilliant comedic actor, who is perfect for the role of Denise.
‘Brooke is also a great actor with a big heart. We first met through our charity work for When You Wish Upon A Star and I know she will make a fantastic, feisty Amy. Max blew us away during his audition, he is a natural and born to play Jamie.
“I know my mother would be thrilled with the brilliant cast we’ve assembled so far and I can’t wait for you to see them all in action.”
Brooke added: ‘I’m so excited to be back on stage and happy to be working with Gaynor on The Syndicate. Kay was such a legend and the TV series was brilliant.
“She has written a brilliantly vibrant character in Amy and I can’t wait to get out there and sink my teeth into the role on stage.”