Ariana Grande to take a break from public life amid 'endless' scrutiny

A representative for the US singer, 33, told People magazine that she "will be taking a step back from visibility" when the tour ends, after her appearances led to "endless, ongoing public scrutiny".The company behind a revival of Stephen Sondheim's Sunday in the Park with George, due to play at the Barbican in 2027, confirmed that she would no longer be part of the production and had its "complete understanding and support".Grande's physical appearance and health have been a topic of speculation in recent years. Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Grande had been due to appear with her Wicked co-star Jonathan Bailey in a stage musical in London next yearThis speculation has increased since the release of her latest album, Petal, which was released on Friday, and her appearance in promotional material for the launch.In the music video, Grande plays a performer who is repeatedly told in auditions that she is "not good enough", is "desperate" and that she "should get some work done" then that she has "too much work done." The character eventually takes a chainsaw to the critics.Grande's representative stressed to People that the star was looking forward to finishing her tour "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".They added: "She performs a very physical show, and there is a lot of athleticism involved. She performs healthily and successfully at a very high level night after night."Fans expressed a combination of support for the star and concern about her wellbeing, with the message #weloveyouariana trending on social media.Her tour continues in Chicago on Monday, with three dates at the city's United Center. It will then move to London's O2 arena for 10 dates from 15 August, with the tour concluding there on 1 September.'Can't have been an easy decision'The Thank U, Next and 7 Rings singer was billed to appear alongside her Wicked co-star, British actor Jonathan Bailey, in the new production of Sondheim's critically acclaimed 1984 musical.A representative for Empire Street Productions confirmed to the BBC that the musical would go ahead without Grande."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," they said."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." A replacement for Grande in the West End revival of the Pulitzer Prize–winning musical has not yet been named.The BBC has approached Grande's representatives.Get our flagship newsletter with all the headlines you need to start the day. Sign up here.