Max George signed to a new management company promising to make him a ‘global star’ just two weeks before mysteriously pulling out of touring theatre show The Syndicate.
The Wanted singer, 35, is still pictured on the play’s website and multiple ticket platforms after being cast as The Syndicate’s big star with bosses hoping his participation would increase sales.
But just weeks before the show’s opening – and start of a five-month tour – Max announced he’s unable to perform due to ‘personal reasons’ and said he would be there to cheer on his former co-stars, including Coronation Street actress Brooke Vincent, ‘once I’m feeling better.’
However, less than 24 hours after releasing the statement to his Instagram followers, Max was seen watching his beloved Manchester City play Liverpool at Anfield.
His withdrawal from The Syndicate comes after he signed a new contract with Soulheart Group, who promise to spearhead his career overseas and teased a ‘big announcement’ coming soon.
Max George signed to a new management company promising to make him a ‘global star’ just two weeks before mysteriously pulling out of touring theatre show The Syndicate
The singer is still pictured on the play’s website and multiple ticket platforms after being cast as The Syndicate’s big star with bosses hoping his participation would increase sales
But just weeks before the show’s opening – and start of a five-month tour – Max announced he’s unable to perform due to ‘personal reasons’
A showbiz insider said: ‘Pulling out of the show at such short notice is bound to raise eyebrows – it’s far from ideal, especially as he appeared in all the promo.
‘But the deal for Max to join his new agency has been in the works for some time and is not connected to him quitting the tour.
‘They will be focusing on his music side which could see him restart his pop career.’
MailOnline understands that Max’s new management will be working in collaboration with Matchstick, who are the singer’s longtime representation.
Max announced his withdrawal from the show on Saturday afternoon, saying: ‘Hey everyone. Really gutted but for personal reasons I won’t be taking part in The Syndicate.
‘It’s going to be an amazing show and I wish Gaynor and all the cast all the luck in the world. I’ll be there to cheer you all on once I’m feeling better.’
The ex-Strictly star has been replaced in The Syndicate by director Gaynor Faye’s son Oliver, the grandson of the show’s legendary writer Kay Mellor.
Max’s stage debut was set to be his first foray into acting since his 2015 appearance in US series Glee.
MailOnline has contacted Max’s spokesperson for comment.
His withdrawal from The Syndicate comes after he signed a new contract with Soulheart Group, who promise to spearhead his career overseas and teased a ‘big announcement’ coming soon
Max announced his withdrawal from the show on Saturday afternoon, saying: ‘Really gutted but for personal reasons I won’t be taking part in The Syndicate’
Max is in relationship with former EastEnders actress Maisie Smith, who he lives with in Manchester
Previously speaking about his new role, Max said: ‘I’m delighted that my stage debut role is in The Syndicate.
‘I’m such a huge fan of Kay’s work and it’s an honour to be part of this world premiere tour. I feel like I’ve won the lottery.’
Aside from playing a pivotal part in boyband The Wanted’s success, Max boosted his profile in recent years by starring in a succession of reality shows.
He appeared on the 2020 series of Strictly Come Dancing, finishing ninth alongside partner Dianne Buswell, before competing in 2022 ITV series The Games and Channel 4’s Scared of the Dark.
The year after he performed on Strictly, Max was invited on the dance show’s nationwide tour which was 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 13 age-gap, telling Hello!: ‘It never enters my mind. Maisie has already done so many things that I’m in awe of – I look up to her.’
