Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater continue to attract attention, whether it’s for romance rumours or speculation about a split, yet the pair remains firmly together. Although they appeared to keep some distance during the Wicked: For Good press tour, sources say their relationship is still strong. At the film’s UK premiere on Monday, witnesses spotted the couple holding hands and sharing affectionate moments backstage, even though they stood apart during group photos.
A source close to the duo told PEOPLE that their relationship is “the real deal,” explaining that despite their demanding schedules, they remain deeply supportive of one another and are thrilled for audiences to finally see their new film. Grande also shared photos from the London premiere on Instagram, including a tender moment with Slater, as well as images featuring her parents Joan and Ed, her brother Frankie, director Jon M. Chu, co-star Cynthia Erivo and stylist Law Roach. She captioned the post simply, “Thank you, London.”
Another insider, quoted by TMZ, echoed that everything is “great” between the two, noting that even with packed calendars, they consistently carve out time together. The source added that Grande’s preference for staying at home explains why she and Slater are rarely seen on public outings, emphasizing that the pair want attention focused on their work, not their private lives.
Grande has long pushed back against tabloid speculation. Last year, she addressed rumours that she and Slater began dating before leaving their previous partners, a claim later corrected when it was clarified that their romance started only after both had separated. In a Vanity Fair interview, she acknowledged the negativity that followed but said it was unsurprising given the major life changes she experienced during the movie’s extended production. She also defended Slater, calling him someone with an unmatched heart and devotion to the people he loves.
Grande and Slater first met in late 2022 while filming Wicked, in which she stars as Glinda and he plays Boq.