Jonathan Bailey withdraws from Sunday in the Park with George in support of Ariana Grande pulling out

Jonathan Bailey has pulled out of Sunday in the Park with George - a month after Ariana Grande withdrew from the show.

The actor will no longer star in the production, scheduled to open next summer at the Barbican Centre in London, in support of his "dearest friend" choosing to take a "step back from visibility" after her Eternal Sunshine Tour concludes in the British capital on Tuesday night (01.09.26).

Hours before Ariana, 33, took to the stage at London's The O2 arena for the last gig before her break, Jonathan, 38, took to his Instagram Stories and penned: "Ari is one of my dearest friends, and my support for her is unwavering.

"Marianne [Sunday in the Park With George's director] 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.

"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.

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

Following Jonathan's announcement, Empire Street Productions, the producers of Sunday in the Park with George, confirmed the show will go ahead as planned while they search for new stars to replace him and Ariana.

Taking to its Instagram Stories, Empire Street Productions wrote: "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.

"Work on the production continues. 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.

"Further casting and production details will be announced in due course."

Last month, a spokesperson for Ariana confirmed she is "taking a step back from visibility" after her Eternal Sunshine Tour concludes in London amid "endless, ongoing public scrutiny" over her health and body.

They told People: "Ariana will be taking a step back from visibility after she completes the Eternal Sunshine Tour.