London musical cancelled after Ariana Grande and Jonathan Bailey pull out

Grande and Bailey played Glinda and Fiyero in the film adaptation of Wicked and its sequel, Wicked: For Good.

Grande’s publicist announced in August that the singer and actress would be “taking a step back from visibility” after her recent tour ended.

A representative for the US star told People magazine that she “will be taking a step back from visibility” when the tour ends, after her appearances led to “endless, ongoing public scrutiny”.

Grande’s physical appearance and health have been a topic of speculation in recent years.

She later told fans at a Chicago concert: “The announcement that was made yesterday was not a reactive or impulsive thing. It is something that I had decided to plan… quietly, a long time ago.”

“I heard my fans were worried negativity was ruining things for me but… that could not be more than the opposite.

“Boundaries need to be set, human beings do need a break sometimes.”

When Bailey pulled out of Sunday in the Park with George at the beginning of September, he voiced support for its director Marianne Elliott, external and said: “I so look forward to seeing what the team, and the two actors who will now take on these roles, will create with it,” he continued.

“I wish the very best to the entire company. I will be cheering them on as they continue with this production.”

Bailey previously collaborated with Elliot on the play Cock and Sondheim’s musical Company in the West End.