Ariana Grande has pulled out of an upcoming musical in London as part of a major withdrawal from public life.
The singer had been set to star in the upcoming London revival of Sunday In The Park With George.
But her representative has now said she plans to temporarily quit public-facing work and the scrutiny that brings.
The popstar was due to appear opposite her Wicked co-star Jonathan Bailey in a new production of Stephen Sondheim’s critically acclaimed musical at London’s Barbican in 2027.
A representative for Grande told People last night: “Ariana will be taking a step back from visibility after she completes the Eternal Sunshine Tour.
“She looks forward to finishing the tour and ending it on a high note, both healthily and happily, and then taking a much-deserved break from public-facing work and appearances, which has led to endless, ongoing public scrutiny.
“This tour has been a beautiful experience for her. She loves her fans and has loved every minute of this tour so much.”
Part of stepping back includes no longer appearing in the London show.
The global popstar will see out her current tour ‘both healthily and happily’, her representative said
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But it will still go ahead as planned – with Grande’s part recast, production firm Empire Street Productions confirmed.
A statement said: “Empire Street Productions have said following 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.
“We know this cannot have been an easy decision, and she makes it with our complete understanding and support.
“We wish her nothing but the best. The production will open at the Barbican in summer 2027 as planned, and casting will be announced in due course.”
The original musical, created by Sondheim and James Lapine, debuted on Broadway in 1984 starring Mandy Patinkin and Bernadette Peters.
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Ariana Grande (right) is set to take a ‘much-deserved’ break from public work, her representative said
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GETTYThe show is inspired by the Georges Seurat painting A Sunday Afternoon On The Island Of La Grande Jatte.
It follows the story of a fictionalised Seurat as he tries to complete the portrait, showing challenges in understanding life and art, and exploring his relationship with his lover and muse, Dot.
Grande is currently on her Eternal Sunshine tour, which will come to the UK in August, with a 10-night residency at London’s The O2.
Her final London show on September 1 will also mark the end of the tour.
Grande has won three Grammy awards in a successful music career which took off in 2013 after the release of her debut album, Yours Truly.
Sunday In The Park With George is based on the Seurat painting A Sunday Afternoon On The Island Of La Grande Jatte
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