Ariana Grande addressed 'secret marriage' theory about Cynthia Erivo with unexpected admission

Ariana Grande once addressed the rumours that she's 'secretly married' to her Wicked co-star Cynthia Erivo - and her response was surprising.

Fans of the celebrity pair will know that they have a very close friendship and are often seen comforting each other during teary interviews and holding hands at red carpet events.

Both for the 2024 Wicked press tour and this year's media appearances for the sequel, Wicked: For Good, the two have gone viral multiple times - fans will remember that viral 'holding space' interview for one.

The actresses have such a tight-knit bond and are so affectionate with each other that it's led some fans to theorise on whether they could be in an actual relationship.

Despite neither Ariana nor Cynthia saying this, and both women having partners, the internet has done what it does best and run away with the idea.

As we say, the same thing happened last November when the duo were travelling around the world to promote the first Wicked movie.

The leading ladies clearly have an unshakeable bond and very close friendship (Mike Marsland/Getty Images)

And in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter in February of this year, Ariana actually mentioned the rumour and explained what she thinks it stemmed from.

She told the publication that at this point, 'people think we’re secretly married,' adding that 'the Gelphie stuff' is likely behind it.

If you're unfamiliar, 'Gelphie' is the ship name for Ariana and Cynthia's Wicked characters, leading ladies Glinda and Elphaba.

Essentially, fans are so obsessed with the enemies to friends storyline and are convinced the two fictional characters should be in a sapphic relationship.

Speaking of the vast array of fan fiction, art, and social media posts, Ariana added: "I wish I could unsee some things. I mean, wow, I had a feeling, but I didn’t know it would be on this scale or this graphic."

It sort of makes sense that if people are shipping the characters this hard, the lines are blurred and some of that has transferred over to fans shipping the real life women too.

However, as we say, both women are already in relationships - Ariana with her other co-star, Ethan Slater (Boq) and Cynthia is with writer and comedian, Lena Waithe.

But as for their characters, Ariana herself has previously said that she thinks her character 'might be a little in the closet'.

The duo are often seen holding hands during red carpet events, sparking relationship rumours (Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

Speaking of Glinda, she told Variety in January: "I think she’s a person who loves so much, and I do think that it goes beyond gender.

"I also think that the ways in which she loves Elphaba so much, and that forgiveness and that unconditional love that they share - I think they’re in love with each other."

She then added: "I know, yes, it’s platonic," before cutting herself off, saying: "But we’ll talk about it more in depth in movie two."

Ariana also recently opened up about her friendship with Cynthia and why the pair are so affectionate with each other.

Talking to Amy Poehler on her Good Hang podcast this week, the actress said: "I channel a lot of energy through my hands.

"And so I’m always holding a hand. I’m always, like, squeezing a something, as you’ve learned. I’m always reaching for something sometimes."