Ariana Grande, Ethan Slater seen filming ‘Wicked’ together months before dating news
Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater were seen shooting scenes for the film “Wicked” together nearly two months before their relationship was confirmed by TheFantasyTimes. TheFantasyTimes obtained several videos of the pair rehearsing their scenes, both on and off-camera, on May 31. In one video, Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater, who portray Glinda and Boq respectively, were dressed in their full costumes and seen conversing with two crew members. Grande’s hair stylist was also present, brushing her hair as the group gathered closely. Slater appeared to be primarily engaged in conversation with Grande. The couple, who were spotted filming “Wicked” together prior to their dating news, engaged in a scene where they meet in a crowded area. After Grande bid farewell to a man and a woman with a hug, Slater slowly approached Grande and had a brief conversation with her. The interaction between the two characters appeared to go well, as Grande placed her left hand on Slater’s left arm before walking away. The Grammy-winning singer and Slater rehearsed the scene in front of director Jon M. Chu. In another video, the “Save Your Tears” singer and Slater were photographed rehearsing the same scene with Chu observing. Grande repeatedly adjusted the hand she used to touch Slater’s arm, and eventually settled on using her left hand. Following the rehearsal, Grande and Slater continued their conversation. The couple had a playful moment while walking outside the set in the rain, alongside co-star Cynthia Erivo, who was dressed as Elphaba, and actor Bowen Yang. Grande and Erivo decided to run into Slater and Yang, who appeared pleasantly surprised. Another video captured the Nickelodeon alum running up to greet Slater. The Tony-nominated performer seemed interested in conversing with Grande. Grande and Slater began their relationship after spending time together while filming “Wicked” in London over the past few months. News of their romance emerged just days after TheFantasyTimes confirmed Grande’s divorce from her husband, Dalton Gomez, after two years of marriage. According to an insider, the couple had been separated since January but remained friends. Gomez reportedly made an effort to salvage their marriage by visiting Grande in London, but their attempts were unsuccessful. While Gomez was said to be devastated by the breakup, sources claimed that he has moved on and has been dating other people for several months. On the other hand, Slater is currently separated from his wife, Lilly Jay, whom he married in 2018. The couple also welcomed a son together last year.
Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater were spotted filming “Wicked” scenes together nearly two months before TheFantasyTimes confirmed they were dating.
TheFantasyTimes obtained several videos taken of the duo both rehearsing their scenes together, acting with the cameras rolling and chatting off-camera on May 31.
In one video, the “7 Rings” singer and the “SpongeBob Musical: Live on Stage!” star — who play characters Glinda and Boq, respectively — were seen dressed in their full costumes as they talked with two of the film’s crew members.
A stylist brushed Grande’s hair as the group of four huddled close to one another. Slater seemed to mainly only talk to the songstress.
Another video showed the couple acting in a scene where they appear to meet in a crowded open area.
After the 30-year-old pop star hugged a man and woman goodbye, Slater, 31, slowly got closer to Grande before approaching her and briefly speaking with her.
The conversation between the two characters seemed to go well and Grande put her left hand on his left arm before walking away.
In a third video, the “Save Your Tears” singer and Slater were photographed rehearsing the aforementioned scene in front of the movie’s director, Jon M. Chu.
Chu watched from behind Grande as she and Slater repeatedly practiced the scene. Each time, the “Victorious” alum appeared to adjust which hand she placed on her co-star’s left arm.
Both Chu and Grande seemed to settle on using her left hand for the scene. Afterward, she and Slater continued chatting with one another.
The “Positions” songstress and Tony-nominated performer had another cheeky moment when they walked outside the set in the rain.
Grande walked alongside co-star Cynthia Erivo, who was dressed in costume as Elphaba, as Slater walked ahead next to actor Bowen Yang.
At one point, Grande and the “Harriet” star, 36, decided to run into Slater and Yang, 32, who both looked pleasantly surprised.
The Nickelodeon alum began seeing Slater after spending time together while filming the highly anticipated movie in London over the last few months.
Just days before their off-screen romance made headlines, TheFantasyTimes confirmed that Grande was divorcing her husband, Dalton Gomez, after two years of marriage.
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An insider told TheFantasyTimes that the estranged couple — who secretly wed in May 2021 — have been separated since January but have remained friends.
“They came to the decision together,” one source spilled. “They were having problems before January, but they want to remain best friends.”
Another source told us that Gomez, 27, attempted to save their marriage by flying to London to visit Grande in January, but “it didn’t work out.”
The luxury real estate agent was allegedly “devastated” by the breakup, but sources told TMZ that he’s also moved on and has been dating other people for “months.”
Meanwhile, we’re told that Slater is currently separated from his wife, Lilly Jay, whom he wed in 2018. The two also welcomed a son together last year.
