{"id":611740,"date":"2026-09-02T00:58:16","date_gmt":"2026-09-02T00:58:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/611740\/"},"modified":"2026-09-02T00:58:16","modified_gmt":"2026-09-02T00:58:16","slug":"bridgerton-star-jonathan-bailey-sensationally-quits-show-in-solidarity-with-ariana-grande","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/611740\/","title":{"rendered":"Bridgerton star Jonathan Bailey sensationally quits show in solidarity with Ariana Grande"},"content":{"rendered":"

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<\/a> opposite Grande as Dot in the London Barbican’s production of the Stephen Sondheim classic.<\/p>\n

Grande pulled out of the show last month due to “endless, ongoing public scrutiny”. Now, in a statement released on his Instagram Stories<\/a>, Bailey has announced his departure, leaving the production looking for two new leads. <\/p>\n

“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.<\/p>\n

\"ariana<\/p>\n

Universal<\/p>\n

“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.
<\/p>\n

“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.<\/p>\n

“I wish the very best to the entire company. I will be cheering them on as they continue with this production. Jonny x.” <\/p>\n

Following Bailey’s announcement, the production’s official X<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

“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\u2019s musical.<\/p>\n

\"sunday<\/p>\n

X\/@SundayParkStage<\/p>\n

\"sunday<\/p>\n

X\/@SundayParkStage<\/p>\n

“Further casting and production details will be announced in due course.”<\/p>\n

Grande’s departure from the show came as she wrapped up her Eternal Sunshine Tour and following the release of album Petal. <\/p>\n

\"ariana<\/p>\n

Chelsea Guglielmino\/\/Getty Images<\/p>\n

Related: “What Ariana Grande told me which made me worry \u2013 and explains why she’s stepped away from the spotlight”<\/a><\/p>\n

In a statement to People<\/a>, Grande’s representative said: “Ariana will be taking a step back from visibility after she completes the Eternal Sunshine Tour”.<\/p>\n

“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.<\/p>\n

“This tour has been a beautiful experience for her. She loves her fans and has loved every minute of this tour so much.” <\/p>\n

Visit our Streaming Guide<\/a> now to see at a glance where you can view ALL your favourite shows and movies.<\/p>\n

The new edition of Legends, a 100-page all-colour celebration of Ariana Grande, is here! Buy Ariana Grande in newsagents or online<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"Headshot<\/p>\n

Reporter, Digital Spy \u00a0<\/p>\n

Stephanie is a freelance news writer, who previously covered WWE and AEW for Digital Spy.<\/p>\n

After graduating with a degree in history from Queen Mary University, London, she studied journalism at Birkbeck University.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

You can read more of her work on her Substack<\/a> page.<\/p>\n

LinkedIn<\/a><\/p>\n