Jonathan Bailey has sensationally quit play Sunday in the Park with George in solidarity with his Wicked co-star Ariana Grande. The Bridgerton star was set to play George opposite Grande as Dot in the London Barbican’s production of the Stephen Sondheim classic.
Grande pulled out of the show last month due to “endless, ongoing public scrutiny”. Now, in a statement released on his Instagram Stories, Bailey has announced his departure, leaving the production looking for two new leads.
“Ari is one of my dearest friends, and my support for her is unwavering. Marianne [Elliott, director] is extraordinary and one of my longest collaborators and friends,” Bailey wrote.
Universal
“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,” the actor added.
“I wish the very best to the entire company. I will be cheering them on as they continue with this production. Jonny x.”
Following Bailey’s announcement, the production’s official X account shared: “Following Ariana Grande’s withdrawal, Jonathan Bailey has informed the producers that he has also decided to step back 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.
X/@SundayParkStage
X/@SundayParkStage
“Further casting and production details will be announced in due course.”
Grande’s departure from the show came as she wrapped up her Eternal Sunshine Tour and following the release of album Petal.
Chelsea Guglielmino//Getty Images
In a statement to People, Grande’s representative said: “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.”
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Stephanie is a freelance news writer, who previously covered WWE and AEW for Digital Spy.
After graduating with a degree in history from Queen Mary University, London, she studied journalism at Birkbeck University.
Outside of her work at Digital Spy, she writes about pop culture, with a special focus towards Irish media and how it intersects with politics.
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