Jonathan Bailey is following his “dearest friend” Ariana Grande in a major career move.
The Bridgerton star, who has worked with Grande in 2024’s Wicked and 2025’s Wicked: For Good, took to his official Instagram Stories on Tuesday, September 1, to announce a major decision, sharing that he is exiting the Broadway musical, Sunday in the Park with George, in which he was supposed to work with the 33-year-old singer.
In his official statement, the Wicked star announced, “Ari is one of my dearest friends, and my support for her is unwavering. Marianne 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.”
He continued, “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 38-year-old English 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.”
Sunday in the Park with George producers break silence on Jonathan Bailey’s exit
At the same time when Jonathan Bailey announced his exit from Sunday in the Park with George, the Broadway show’s producers also issued a statement via its official Instagram account.
“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,” they penned.
The statement continued, “Work on the production continues. Casting discussions are actively under way, 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.”
Why did Ariana Grande exit Sunday in the Park with George?
Last month, Ariana Grande announced plans to take a break from public spotlight after concluding her Eternal Sunshine Tour due to the intense public scrutiny and criticism.
In the wake of the decision, The Boy is Mine hitmaker also announced her departure from the Broadway musical, Sunday in the Park with George.
