The fairy-tale romance between pop sensation Ariana Grande and her Wicked co-star Ethan Slater appears to be facing its first major test, according to sources close to the couple. The pair, who met on the set of the highly anticipated film adaptation, have reportedly hit a rough patch just as Slater's divorce from wife Lily Jay was finalised.
From Stage Romance to Real-Life Drama
Insiders reveal that the intensity of their very public relationship, combined with the pressures of fame and recent personal transitions, has created unexpected challenges for the new couple. "They're going through a difficult period," a source close to the production shared. "The bubble has burst somewhat, and reality is setting in."
The Divorce Finalisation Factor
The timing appears significant, with Ethan's divorce from childhood sweetheart Lily Jay being officially settled recently. The SpongeBob SquarePants musical star had been married to Jay for several years and shares a child with his former partner. The finality of the divorce proceedings has reportedly brought new emotional complexities to his relationship with Grande.
Career Pressures and Public Scrutiny
Both artists are at crucial points in their careers, with the Wicked film representing a major professional milestone. The added pressure of navigating their new relationship under constant media scrutiny has created what insiders describe as "an incredibly stressful environment."
"They went from the high of working together on this dream project to dealing with very real personal challenges," another source explained. "It's been a whirlwind, and now they're facing the consequences of moving so quickly."
What's Next for the Couple?
Despite the current difficulties, those close to the situation emphasise that no final decisions have been made about the relationship's future. The couple continue to share professional commitments through the Wicked project, which may provide either common ground or additional strain depending on how they navigate this challenging period.
Representatives for both Grande and Slater have declined to comment on the relationship status, maintaining their usual stance of keeping personal matters private.
