Wicked actor Jonathan Bailey QUITS West End show just weeks after co-star Ariana Grande’s exit – leaving play in crisis

WICKED star Jonathan Bailey has QUIT the West End adaptation of Sunday In The Park with George just weeks after co-star Ariana Grande pulled out. The Brit actor, 38, has thrown the towel in after superstar Ariana exited the production, which was due to shown at the Barbican, in London, next summer. Jonathan Bailey has QUIT West End production Sunday in the Park with George – weeks after co-star Ariana Grande’s exit Credit: Getty The pals become close during their time filming the two Wicked movies Credit: Getty The pair will both be recast as theatre bosses actively look for new talent. A spokesman from the show says: “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. Sign up for the Showbiz newsletter Thank you! “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. Superstar Ariana previously exited the production ahead of her career break Credit: Getty She was set to make her West End debut Credit: Getty Jonathan has now followed suit in leaving the play Credit: Getty He is understood to be showing his support to Wicked pal Ariana Credit: Getty “Further casting and production details will be announced in due course.” A source told The Sun: “It’s a huge disappointment, but it’s because Jonathan wants to show support for Ariana.” The play was already dealt a major blow when it was confirmed that Ariana had walked out of the production ahead of her ‘career step-back’. She is due to play her final concert at the O2 Arena this evening before taking a break from public life. Most read in TV That included cancelling her appearing in the London stage show next year which was due to be her West End debut. She is also expected to not promote her upcoming film, Focker In Law, and also quit American Horror Story this year despite being announced for the show’s cast for series 13. The pair’s casting for the West End production was originally announced in January of this year. Jonthan and Ariana formed a close bond during their time filming Wicked. Jonathan played the handsome Prince Fiyero in the two-parter movie with Ariana appearing in the starring role as Glinda. Comment now