JLS singer Oritsé Williams has paused rehearsals for the band’s upcoming tour after his infant son, Shiva, was rushed to hospital with suspected meningitis. The 38-year-old, who welcomed his “miracle” boy with wife Kazz last year after the couple suffered two miscarriages, revealed their baby has been “in and out of hospital” in recent weeks with a viral infection.
“Yesterday he got readmitted into hospital,” Oritsé said, explaining that doctors became concerned when Shiva’s temperature “went to dangerous heights”. “They started throwing around words that really scared us, like meningitis and sepsis, so I literally cut out of rehearsals for the tour,” he shared. “I just dropped everything and went to the hospital to be by my wife’s side… I haven’t been able to sleep through the night at all.”
Kazz, who endured severe anxiety during pregnancy and was diagnosed with gestational diabetes, has been “on edge” as they watch over Shiva around the clock. “He’s wrapped up in cotton wool,” Oritsé admitted, calling their son a blessing after a long road to parenthood. Shortly after Shiva’s birth last year, he told OK! Magazine: “I’m on cloud nine… he is truly a blessing and I’m proud of us,” while Kazz said weekly private scans were the only thing that calmed her fears in the early months.
The NHS says meningitis symptoms can arrive in any order and sometimes not at all, warning parents to look for a rash that may fade under pressure, high fever, cold hands and feet, vomiting, fast breathing, muscle and joint pain, a stiff neck, sensitivity to light and unusual sleepiness. In babies, red flags also include refusing feeds, irritability, a high-pitched cry, stiffness or floppiness, unresponsiveness and a bulging soft spot.
JLS are due to launch The Club Is Alive: 2025 Hits Tour in Glasgow on 6 November, with dates across the UK. For now, Oritsé’s focus is at home. “We’re embracing this sacred time together in our little family bubble,” he said earlier of their journey. “Your kindness carries us, and we are forever thankful.”
