Ariana Grande to step back from public life amid ongoing public scrutiny over her appearance

 Singer and actress Ariana Grande will be stepping back from the spotlight after what her rep called "endless, ongoing public scrutiny" of her. The star will no longer undertake "public-facing work and appearances" after the Eternal Sunshine Tour finishes in London next month.

Ariana, who has been the subject of much speculation about her physical appearance and weight in recent weeks, was due to appear in a new stage production of Stephen Sondheim’s musical Sunday in the Park with George in London.

The show, which would have seen her reunited with Wicked co-star Jonathan Bailey at London's Barbican Centre in the summer of 2027, will also now not happen, it has been confirmed.

The 33-year-old's rep told People tonight: "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 Grande told People that her tour show required a high level of athletic ability and that she performed healthily night after night.

There had been increased talk about Ariana's weight after the release of her Petal music video last month which showed her auditioning in a black off-the-shoulder-top.

The Eternal Sunshine Tour has three more shows to go in Chicago before coming to London's O2 Arena for ten dates in August and September 1, which will be its grand finale.

Ariana has appeared to hit back at comments about her body on occasion. In her song Yes, And? she sings: "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.”

Empire Street Productions confirmed Ariana's appearance on the London stage next summer was off. They said tonight: “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.

“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 production will open at the Barbican in summer 2027 as planned, and casting will be announced in due course.”