Ariana Grande ‘to do secret project’ despite announcing step back from public life

| Senior TV Reporter Published August 8, 2026 4:47pm Updated August 8, 2026 4:55pm Ariana Grande will do one final show before taking a break from the spotlight (Picture: Taylor Hill/WireImage via Getty) Ariana Grande is set to do one final project for her fans before she takes her promised break from the spotlight. Last week, the 33-year-old singer confirmed that she’ll be taking a step back from public-facing work after she’s concluded her Eternal Sunshine Tour following ‘endless, ongoing public scrutiny’. This also means she will not appear in the theatre production of Sunday in the Park with George opposite Jonathan Bailey, with her role set to be recast. For the past few years, the Wicked star has been the subject of increased discourse about her health, a topic she once addressed in 2023. Before she takes her ‘much-deserved’ time off, she is set to do a 10-show run at London’s O2 Arena between August 15 and September 1. The Thank, U Next singer isn’t stopping there, however, according to a new report. She reportedly plans to create a concert special by filming her London residency (Picture: Katia Temkin for Ariana Grande) An insider has revealed that she plans to give her fans one last gift by filming the London shows for a new special to be released at a later point. A source told The Sun: ‘Despite all the noise around her, she has fully enjoyed returning to the stage as a pop star. ‘She didn’t think she would ever tour again and certainly won’t for a long, long time, so she wants Eternal Sunshine immortalised. ‘It’s also the perfect present to her fans while she takes time away from the spotlight.’ Earlier this week she wrapped up the North American leg of her tour and shared a sentimental post on Instagram thanking her fans. ‘I am overwhelmed with love and the deepest gratitude. ‘Thank you endlessly for the most special, beautiful, joyful and deeply fulfilling few months … I will cherish every moment of this time with you all & these memories forever,’ she wrote. She has addressed her fans plenty since announcing her break (Picture: Karwai Tang/WireImage via Getty) After she first announced her work hiatus, she addressed fans at her concert to clarify exactly what drove her to take the seemingly drastic measure. ‘[The hiatus] was not a reactive or impulsive thing,’ she announced to the arena. ‘It is something that I have decided, a plan that I had quietly made a long time ago and it’s a decision that was made from a thoughtful and empowered place. She continued to the cheering crowds: ‘I want to share this because I heard that my fans were worried that “negativity was ruining things for me” but I just have to say that could not be more the f*** opposite.’ Deals of the Day Parents can save up to 30% on Kickers school shoes ahead of the new term The back-to-school hack that's helping parents avoid queues and sold-out sizes Could your hair be wavy rather than straight? This brand thinks so Could your star sign improve your skincare routine? This new beauty launch thinks so Best skincare for menopausal skin? This dermatologist-created treatment is tailored to you Metro has reached out to Ariana Grande’s representatives for comment. Arrow MORE: Ariana Grande takes ‘unscrupulous’ hackers to court over leaked music Arrow MORE: Ariana Grande fans won’t get into her London concerts if they break new rule Arrow MORE: American Horror Story fans threaten to boycott show after ‘Ariana Grande drops out last minute’