The singer became a father for the first time with his wife last year.
A member of JLS has revealed he “hasn’t been able to sleep” after his baby was rushed to hospital, providing a worrying health update.
The boyband — Aston Merrygold, Oritse Williams, Marvin Humes, and JB Gill — are preparing for their The Club Is Alive: 2025 Hits Tour, which kicks off at Manchester’s Co-Op Arena on Saturday, November 15. The group first rose to fame on ITV’s The X Factor in 2008, finishing as runners-up to Alexandra Burke.
Ahead of the tour, Oritse Williams disclosed that his son, Shiva, has been hospitalised with suspected meningitis. Shiva was born last year after what the couple described as an “anxious pregnancy,” following two previous miscarriages.
Oritse revealed that the family has been in and out of hospital recently because of Shiva’s health. “He’s wrapped up in cotton wool,” he said, highlighting the couple’s protective approach to their “miracle” baby.
Oritse Williams revealed that his son Shiva was recently readmitted to hospital after catching a viral infection that caused dangerously high temperatures. “They started throwing around words that really scared us, like meningitis and sepsis, so I literally cut out of rehearsals for the JLS tour,” he said.
He added: “I just got in my car, messaged everyone to let them know where I was, and dropped everything. I went to the hospital to be by my wife’s side. This week, because he’s been ill, I haven’t been able to sleep through the night at all.”
Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, most common in babies, young children, teenagers, and young adults. Symptoms can include high fever, vomiting, headaches, a non-fading rash, stiff neck, sensitivity to light, drowsiness or unresponsiveness, and seizures.
Reflecting on their pregnancy, Oritse and his wife Kazz shared the joy of expecting their first child last October. He said: “Overwhelmed with emotion, love, and awe, words can’t express how I feel about my Queen, my soulmate, my hero, and stunning Mama Kazz. Her strength and everything she’s overcome leave me in absolute wonder. We’re embracing this sacred time together in our little family bubble, and our hearts are overflowing with gratitude for everyone who has supported us.”
After Shiva’s birth, Kazz told OK! Magazine: “Honestly, I’m on cloud nine. I’m in complete awe of my baby boy he is truly a blessing and I’m proud of us.” She added that she experienced anxiety throughout her pregnancy, booking weekly private scans for reassurance. She was also diagnosed with gestational diabetes, which required a complete diet change. “Oritsé made sure I was eating healthy and cooked for me daily though I did miss bingeing on pizzas and ice cream!”