Jonathan Bailey steps down from 'Sunday in the Park With George' following Ariana Grande's exit

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Jonathan Bailey exits the West End revival of 'Sunday in the Park with George.' Bailey’s exit comes after his 'Wicked' co-star Ariana Grande’s departure in August.

The reunion of the co-stars on stage has been called off as Bailey steps down from the London production. The show was expected to begin in the summer of 2027. According to Variety, Tony and Olivier Award winner Marianne Elliott was set to direct the production.

Jonathan Bailey exits 2027 revival of 'Sunday in the Park With George' after Ariana Grande

As per the publication, Bailey shared a statement, “After much consideration, I have decided to step back from ‘Sunday in the Park with George,’” in which he called “Ari” one of “my dearest friends.”

“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,” he continued. “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,” Bailey added.

Meanwhile, a representative for the show’s production said, “Work on the production continues,” the producers said in a statement. “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.”

Why did Ariana Grande step down from ‘Sunday in the Park With George’ show

Grande’s decision to step down from the London show came after she decided to take “a step back from visibility” following the wrap of her “Eternal Sunshine” tour in London. Her decision came after the album 'Petal' was released, and she faced public scrutiny over her physical health.

“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,” Grande's representative said at the time.

“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,’” read a statement shared by the musical’s official X account. “We know this cannot have been an easy decision, and she makes it with our complete understanding and support.”