EastEnders actress and Kent panto star Maisie Smith has vowed to see boyfriend Max George on Christmas Day, despite the 500-mile trip.

Maisie, 23, has been starring in Marlowe Theatre’s Beauty and the Beast since November, balancing a demanding performance schedule with concern for Max, 36, who underwent a 2.5-hour operation to have a pacemaker fitted after being diagnosed with a 2:1 atrioventricular block.

The singer and former The Wanted star has been in hospital for over a week and shared updates with his followers, including a photo of his new scar next to a “special tattoo”.

He praised NHS surgeons and nurses for their care, despite complications during the procedure caused by collapsed veins.

Despite the challenges, former Strictly finalist Maisie is adamant she’ll make the 500-mile journey to see Max on her one day off from the Canterbury panto during the festive season.

“We’re still talking every day and FaceTiming. I’m still trying to be there as much as I can be,” she told The Sun.

“I’ve got Christmas Day off, so I’ll be going to see him. Whatever happens, we’ll be together.”

“He seems in happier spirits. It was lovely to see him because we’re quite far away from each other, so it was lovely to see him and his family.”

Maisie admitted it’s been difficult to juggle her role in Beauty and the Beast with supporting Max, who remains on her mind “24/7.”

An insider told The Sun: “All she wants is to be by his bedside, but she’s committed to her panto and doesn’t want to let anyone down.

“She's done her best to be able to visit him when hospital visiting hours allow, but it's been a real struggle juggling everything.”

Max expressed his gratitude to fans for their support, calling his pacemaker “the best Christmas present” and remaining optimistic about tackling life again after recovery.

Meanwhile, Maisie continues to dazzle crowds in Canterbury, ensuring that the show goes on while finding time to support her loved one.

Beauty and the Beast runs at the Marlowe Theatre until January 7, with Maisie receiving high praise for her performance.

Maisie starred as Tiffany Butcher on Eastenders from 2008 to 2014.

She returned to the Marlowe after visiting in March last year alongside Kevin Clifton - who made his debut as the panto baddie in 2023’s Aladdin - in the musical Strictly Ballroom.