Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater have "always preferred to be low-key"

A source told The Sun newspaper's Bizarre column: "Ariana and Ethan are still a couple but they've seen the chatter online and it's not been easy.

"They were both at the ¬Leicester Square premiere and the ¬after-party at Brasserie Zedel but made sure they weren't seen together."

Ariana and her Wicked co-star are keen to ensure that their romance doesn't play out in public.

The insider continued: "Obviously it fuels the ¬speculation around them but they don't want their relationship to play out in public.

"When Ariana left the after-party, she went back to her hotel suite.

"Not long after, Ethan was taken there and went up to see Ariana to spend time with her.

"They are aware of what is being said and it's not easy for them but they're doing the best they can to snatch some quiet moments when no one is watching."

Ariana and Ethan plan to spend "some time together out of the public eye" after they've finished promoting Wicked: For Good.

The source shared: "Once this next round of promo is completed for Wicked: For Good, Ariana and Ethan will be spending some time together out of the public eye.

"They've always preferred to be low-key and are happier just chilling at home together.

"No one is saying the past few months have been totally rosy but their relationship is still very much on."

Meanwhile, Ariana previously admitted that she was desperate to star in the Wicked movies.

The pop star told Variety: "I was hunting Marc Platt down for an audition.

"As soon as I found out that it might be happening, I told my team, 'Be on high alert, please. And I know this has to be earned. So when they start seeing people, can I please go in? I'll do anything.' And I worked really hard with a vocal coach and an acting coach to get ready, because Glinda's vocal track is very different than what I usually sing."