Jonathan Bailey drops out of Barbican musical revival following Ariana Grande exit

But the production was thrown into disarray last month when it was quietly announced that Grande, 33, would be taking a step back from the public eye and no longer appearing in the musical.

Although it was initially announced the show would still go ahead as planned with Bailey starring and Grande’s part to be recast, the Broadchurch star, 38, has now announced his exit as well.

Bailey will no longer perform in the production following Grande’s exit

“After much consideration, I have decided to also 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.

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 team, and the two actors who will now take on these roles, will create with it.

“I wish the very best to the entire company with what will no doubt be an incredible production, and I will be cheering them on as they continue this journey.”

The friends, who starred in the film adaptation of Wicked together, had been due to perform at the Barbican in 2027

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A representative for production company Empire Street Productions said in a statement to the Press Association: “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 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.”

They added that further casting and production details for Sondheim’s 1984 musical “will be announced in due course”.

At the time that Grande stepped down, a representative for the Barbican said that the “Dangerous Woman” singer had the venue’s “unreserved understanding and support”.

“We wish her nothing but the best for the rest of her tour and for the future, and sincerely hope to welcome her to the Barbican one day when the time is right,” they said.