London theatre producers respond to Ariana Grande's announcement she has quit Sunday in the Park with George as they admit 'we know this couldn't have been an easy decision' amid speculation about her appearance

The producers of a 2027 production of Sunday in the Park with George have given an update after their lead star Ariana Grande quit the London show. 

American singer and actress Ariana, 33, announced on Sunday, via a statement from her team, that she plans to take a break following her current tour amid struggles with 'ongoing public scrutiny' over her appearance.

She is currently on her Eternal Sunshine tour and plans to step back from the public eye when it wraps in London on September 1.

Her next project would have seen her return to London for a summer 2027 theatre run opposite her Wicked co-star Jonathan Bailey, but her representative has confirmed she will no longer be taking part.

The production at London's Barbican was set to run from July to September next year and marked the first major London revival of Stephen Sondheim's legendary 1984 musical in 20 years.

Inspired by the French painter Georges Seurat's painting, the musical follows a fictionalized version of Seurat, who immerses himself deeply in painting his masterpiece, his mistress Dot and his great-grandson.

The producers of Sunday in the Park with George have now released a statement confirming the sudden casting change.

'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,' the statement reads.

'We know this cannot have been an easy decision, and she makes it with our complete understanding and support. We wish her nothing but the best.'

The statement confirmed that the production will go ahead and open as planned at the Barbican in summer 2027 with casting 'announced in due course'. 

Tickets for the show are due to go on sale in the autumn.

Concerns were first raised about whether Sunday in the Park with George was going ahead when ticket sales were halted earlier this summer.

There were said to be growing fears that Ariana, who had just kicked off her Eternal Sunshine tour in America, was 'oversubscribed' and eight theatre shows a week would be too demanding for the star. 

A source close to Ariana's camp confirmed to the Daily Mail at the time though that 'there's no doubt she's still doing it'.

They added: 'The show is still happening but ticket sales were pushed to September due to her touring and album release schedule.' 

Ariana's spokesman told PEOPLE on Sunday that Ariana will 'be taking a step back from visibility after she completes the Eternal Sunshine Tour'. 

'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.

'This tour has been a beautiful experience for her. She loves her fans and has loved every minute of this tour so much.'

A source close to the singer explained that Ariana's tour involves a very physical and athletic performance which she performs at a healthy and high level.

Ariana's appearance has come under scrutiny in recent months, especially following the release of her new music video, Petal.

She has publicly insisted that she's healthy but that didn't stop fans from pointing out how incredibly gaunt she looks in the violent music video.

'This is like looking at Karen Carpenter and everyone was like [shrug],' wrote one fan.

'I am actually so over us normalizing this and acting like this is okay,' wrote a second.

'Shocking and heartbreaking', wrote a third, while a fourth added, 'For the love of God, please eat something.'

Another wrote, 'Her bones are literally popping out.' 

Despite the concerned comments, other fans defended the singer and said that it was inappropriate to comment on her physical appearance. 

'If y'all actually cared about her you wouldn't be publicly making comments about her body,' argued one.

'The irony of all the girls over 200 pounds saying she's "unhealthy". You think being 200 pounds is healthy? Good lord, the jealousy is screaming from you guys!' wrote another. 

Ariana has hit back at people who have commented on her body multiple times previously.

In her 2024 song, Yes, And? from the album Eternal Sunshine, Ariana addresses the scrutiny over her appearance, singing: 'My face is sitting, I don't need no disguise.

'Don't comment on my body, do not reply. Your business is yours and mine is mine.

'Why do you care so much whose - I ride? Why?'

In January, Ariana admitted that it would be 'healthy' for her to take a career break.

She told Vogue Japan: 'I think that it would probably be healthy. I'm not used to taking breaks. But I do know that I grew so much from taking space from music while I was filming Wicked... But yeah, these past few years have been pretty non-stop. And by few, I mean 15.'

The Wicked: For Good actress explained that she is searching for more 'balance' in the years to come.

She said: 'Balance is the goal for the next 15 years. I don't think they will look like the previous 15 years. I think there will be more balance.'