After getting criticism for their age gap, Maisie Smith believes she has made a point in her relationship with Max George.
The former EastEnders actress, 21, met The Wanted frontman, 34, on Strictly Come Dancing, and they’re now tremendously in love, not afraid to pack on the PDA or flaunt their romance on social media.
Fans were originally concerned about Max being 13 years older than her, which raised concerns.
The renowned couple have often refuted suggestions that he is too old for her, with the self-proclaimed ‘consenting 21-year-old lady’ now happy to have demonstrated that their love ‘isn’t only for cameras’.
Speaking to The Mirror, Maisie reflected on the last few months, having completed the Strictly arena tour before finishing a six-month run in Strictly Ballroom: The Musical.
‘Me and Max sat at home doing nothing for a month straight. I felt like I deserved it, I’ve had a physically intense job. We both agreed to chill and take our minds off everything and enjoy moving in together,’ she began, having recently set up home with her boyfriend.
‘It’s such a big chapter in a relationship and it was the first time we’ve been together where I haven’t been on tour, so we barely left the house.’
On criticism of their relationship – which they confirmed last November – Maisie argued: ‘When you’re in a new relationship, people have a lot to say. But we’ve been together a while now and we’ve proven our love isn’t just for the cameras. We’re genuinely two best friends, in love and we’re so happy.
‘We still get negative comments. Family and friends are so supportive and have never seen either of us so happy. I’ve never been in such a happy position.’
Maisie described Max as “the boyfriend of my dreams,” saying she is “living on cloud nine” and is even considering raising a family…
‘We’re both strong-minded. We do have disagreements but we don’t hold grudges. We might have a little bicker but ultimately, we make decisions together,’ she said of the dynamic in their relationship.
‘Who knows what the future holds, but I know whatever happens, we’ll always be quite respectful in making the decisions.’
She also described herself and Max as ‘basically the same person’ when it comes to living together.
‘We’ll both see a bit of tissue on the floor, I won’t pick it up, he won’t pick it up and eventually it’s been a week and neither of us have picked it up,’ she joked.
‘We laugh about it all the time. But because we’re both the same we can’t get angry with each other, which is why it works.’
This isn’t the first time Maisie or Max have defended their relationship to detractors, with Max being particularly outspoken.
‘I’ve just read that apparently mine and Maisie’s age gap is ‘controversial’…,’ he tweeted last year.
‘A woman in her 20’s and a man in his 30’s.. what the f**K are they implying? I’d love an explanation please DM.’
