SINGER AND ACTRESS Ariana Grande has dropped out of what would have been her debut appearance in a West End show in order to \u201cstep back\u201d from the public eye.<\/p>\n
\u00a0Grande had been due to star opposite her Wicked castmate Jonathan Bailey in the musical Sunday in The Park with George in summer 2027.<\/p>\n
When the pair were announced as the leads of the show, it was met with immediate excitement from fans, who started planning how to get their hands on tickets and travel to London for the show.<\/p>\n
However, in a new statement, Grande\u2019s representative said she wanted a \u201cmuch-deserved break from public-facing work and appearances\u201d when her current tour wraps in London on 1 September.<\/p>\n
The statement came amid renewed public scrutiny of the singer\u2019s health, especially on social media.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe can confirm that she has decided to step back from \u2018Sunday in The Park with George\u2019,\u201d producers said in a statement carried on the show\u2019s official X account, without providing a reason for Grande\u2019s withdrawal.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe know this cannot have been an easy decision, and she makes it with our complete understanding and support,\u201d the statement said, adding that the show would go ahead as planned and casting would be announced \u201cin due course.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe wish her nothing but the best.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nFollowing this evening’s announcement from Ariana Grande’s team, we can confirm that she has decided to step back from Sunday in the Park with George. <\/p>\n
We know this cannot have been an easy decision, and she makes it with our complete understanding and support. 1\/2<\/p>\n