'The Games' viewers praise Max George's bravery in competing weeks after losing best mate Tom Parker
Viewers of ITV's The Games reboot have been praising Max George for his bravery in taking part in the contest just weeks after losing his best friend and The Wanted bandmate Tom Parker.
The singer died of a brain tumour at the end of March aged just 33 and George, who had spent some of Parker's final days with him performing The Wanted tour dates, was one of the pallbearers at his funeral in April along with their other bandmates.
Now George, 33, is competing in celebrity sports contest The Games which began on ITV last night and will continue throughout the week.
He featured in running and diving events last night and his fans came out in support of him after his tough recent months.
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One viewer tweeted: "Remember Max had a bad 6 weeks after losing his best friend. Don’t give Max any hate at all. Thank you."
Someone else added: "Max is doing bloody amazing, Tom will be looking down at him so proud and also p***ing himself laughing at him knocking the mic over. You are doing incredible keep going @MaxGeorge we love you."
Another fan wrote: "Max George has the full wanted fanmily backing him, him participating in this after the loss of Tom is absolutely incredible, we chose the right band!"
Someone else commented: "For Max to even be present for this just shows his immeasurable strength and courage, whatever the results we’ll always be forever proud of you and Tom will be too."
The Games originally ran for four series between 2003 and 2006 at Channel 4, but has been revived at ITV with Holly Willoughby and Freddie Flintoff presenting - a casting choice viewers weren't too sure about.
Willoughby usually hosts This Morning which she is taking a break from this week during The Games, and also presents Dancing On Ice, as well as the current BBC celebrity show Freeze the Fear with Wim Hof.
One viewer tweeted: "Holly Willoughby?? AGAIN?? For christ sake is there no one else??"
Someone else joked: "Good to see Holly getting a break on prime time, haven’t seen her on anything in ages."
Another viewer wrote: "I like Holly Willoughby, I really do, but why won't @ITV give someone else a chance to present a program. Good grief!!"
Someone else added: "The devil works hard but Holly Willoughby's agent works harder. Poor lass will be on two channels tomorrow night."
People also questioned why a presenter with experience in sport hadn't been chosen instead.
One person tweeted: "Why is Holly presenting this instead of Oti Mabuse / Kirsty Gallacher / Gabby Logan etc. Everyone else has a sports connection."
Someone else added: "No surprise Holly's presenting it either, gets where f***ing sand can't, absolutely no connection to sport whatsoever either."
The Games continues tonight at 9pm on ITV.
Watch: Holly Willoughby reveals she was 'in tears' making Freeze the Fear
