Jonathan Bailey has pulled out of Sunday in the Park with George – a month after Ariana Grande withdrew from the show.
Actor Jonathan Bailey
The actor will no longer star in the production, scheduled to open next summer at the Barbican Centre in London, in support of his “dearest friend” choosing to take a “step back from visibility” after her Eternal Sunshine Tour concludes in the British capital on Tuesday night (01.09.26).
Hours before Ariana, 33, took to the stage at London’s The O2 arena for the last gig before her break, Jonathan, 38, took to his Instagram Stories and penned: “Ari is one of my dearest friends, and my support for her is unwavering.
“Marianne [Sunday in the Park With George’s director] is extraordinary and one of my longest collaborators and friends.
“After much consideration, I have decided to step back from Sunday in the Park with George.
“This brilliant, introspective musical has been a real passion project for me, and I feel incredibly lucky to have shared in its journey with this team.
“Among many things, the story explores the deep connection between George and Dot, a beautiful, devoted pairing, and I so look forward to seeing what the two actors who will now take on these roles will create with it.
“I wish the very best to the entire company. I will be cheering them on as they continue with this production.
“Jonny x.”
Following Jonathan’s announcement, Empire Street Productions, the producers of Sunday in the Park with George, confirmed the show will go ahead as planned while they search for new stars to replace him and Ariana.
Taking to its Instagram Stories, Empire Street Productions wrote: “Following Ariana Grande’s withdrawal, Jonathan Bailey has informed the producers that he has also decided to withdraw from Sunday in the Park with George.
“Work on the production continues. Casting discussions are actively underway, and the creative team is reshaping the production around a new company while preserving the ambition and artistic integrity of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s musical.
“Further casting and production details will be announced in due course.”
Last month, a spokesperson for Ariana confirmed she is “taking a step back from visibility” after her Eternal Sunshine Tour concludes in London amid “endless, ongoing public scrutiny” over her health and body.
They told People: “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.”
A source close to the 7 Rings hitmaker added: “She performs a very physical show, and there is a lot of athleticism involved. She performs healthily and successfully at a very high level night after night.”
The release of the Petal music video last month prompted renewed discussion on social media about her appearance.
Ariana has repeatedly addressed public discussion surrounding her appearance since 2023.
In her 2024 single Yes, And?, from the album Eternal Sunshine, she sang: “My face is sitting, I don’t need no disguise / Don’t comment on my body, do not reply / Your business is yours, and mine is mine.”
Ariana has previously said changes to her appearance reflected healthier personal choices, including following a vegan diet and giving up alcohol.
The three-time Grammy winner paused her concert at the United Center in Chicago on August 3 to tell the audience her decision to step back from public life after her Eternal Sunshine Tour was made “a long time ago”, not in response to online discussion over her appearance.
During a four-minute speech, Ariana said: “Can we get a little real tonight?”
She continued: “The announcement that was made yesterday was not a reactive or impulsive thing.
“It is something that I had decided to plan. It was a thoughtful decision. It was an empowering decision. I made it quietly, a long time ago.”
Ariana also dismissed claims that criticism on social media about her body had forced her into taking a break.
The God Is a Woman artist said: “No matter what noises exist out there, nothing will be able to distort my reality or be more real to me… as this love that we share.”
Ariana then described the tour as “one of the most healing, beautiful, correct and special experiences” she has ever had.
Before returning to the performance, the Wicked star told the audience: “That felt good. I wish that words were enough to articulate how much I love you.”
