Complaining about too much attention while doing one of the most attention-seeking jobs out there is a slap in the face to fans everywhere, says GB News' Entertainment Editor

We're a third of the way through 2026 already. I know, I know, time flies when you're witnessing the world go insane.

But that does mean for winter-luvvies like me that Christmas is now just four months away. I'd better start dusting off the baubles.

Coca-Cola adverts, nightfall at 4pm, reruns of The Royle Family, and Mariah on the radio. It's my favourite time of the year by far.

And in recent years, I've even had a relatively new Christmas jingle become one of my go-to tracks while my wife gets the advocaat ready for the snowballs. It comes courtesy of one Ariana Grande.

Santa Tell Me has not only cemented itself as a festive hit in my household, but it's become arguably the most notable Christmas track this side of the millennium.

Kelly Clarkson, Justin Bieber, Coldplay, and Ed Sheeran - urgh - have had pretty decent attempts at breaking into the lucrative Christmas market, but it's Grande's 2014 hit that I guarantee you'll hear more of come December.

But it's not just Grande's festive exploits that have landed her on my radar. Bangers - yes, I said bangers - such as Into You, One Last Time, 7 Rings, God Is A Woman, and many more are regular tenants who've found a home in my Spotify playlists.

I not only watched but also enjoyed both Wicked films, too. Let that sink in.

So you can imagine my disappointment on Sunday evening to discover that Grande has decided to take a break from the spotlight for the foreseeable future.

Her reps confirmed the news in a statement to US outlet, People, with a date set for September 1.

The statement read: "Ariana will be taking a step back from visibility after she completes the Eternal Sunshine Tour.

"She looks forward to finishing the tour and ending it on a high note, both healthily and happily, and then taking a much-deserved break from public-facing work and appearances, which has led to endless, ongoing public scrutiny.

"This tour has been a beautiful experience for her. She loves her fans and has loved every minute of this tour so much."

As part of her decision to take a step back, Grande has withdrawn from participating in a revival of Stephen Sondheim's Sunday in the Park with George next year.

It is due to play at the Barbican in 2027, with Wicked co-star Jonathan Bailey also involved. Her role will now be recast.

"We know this cannot have been an easy decision, and she made it with our complete understanding and support. We wish her nothing but the best," a representative for Empire Street Productions said following the announcement.

I do need to make one rather important - and perhaps paradoxical - clarification. I actually support Grande's decision to step back.

Much has been made of the singer's physical appearance and health in recent years, with rumours rife behind what has prompted notable changes.

Of course, I shan't speculate here, but if time away from the spotlight is necessary to help whatever ails her behind the scenes, then go for it.

I imagine it is bl**dy annoying to have people flock to X to share their unwarranted opinions every time a new film premieres or every time you're trying to flog a new album.

Then there's the romances. Grande has had a number of high-profile relationships that have ultimately ended, including her most recent split from fellow performer Ethan Slater.

And I can't begin to comprehend the lasting impact the horror of the 2017 Manchester Arena terror attack would have.

But to pointedly complain about "endless scrutiny" in your rep's temporary farewell announcement, that's where my gripe lies.

Pursuing a sought-after - and needless to say lucrative - career as a performer comes with that as a hazard.

And Grande has excelled. Whether you're a fan of her music and acting or not, you can't argue that she's forged an incredible career out of it.

The 33-year-old has frequently been named as one of Time's most influential people in the world, and with 100 million records sold worldwide, it's easy to see why.

Numerous platinum albums, billions of Spotify streams, Grammy Awards, and even an Oscar nod to boot, Grande's CV is an impressive one.

But each time she went on stage to accept the plaudits, I don't recall the "endless scrutiny" rubbing her up the wrong way there.

Complaining about attention while doing one of the most attention-seeking jobs on the planet is almost a slap in the face to those who dedicate so much of their attention to you.

It's like my butcher complaining about carving out a ribeye and trying to sneak Quorn into my bag.

Millions of fans across the globe forking out their wages to catch a glimpse of her on stage needn't bother if and when she returns. Remember, Grande doesn't want the scrutiny.

And forget about paying the extortionate mark-ups British cinema chains slap on their popcorn the next time Grande hits the big screen. I imagine she'd hate for you to watch it.

Grande's "public scrutiny" complaints also come at a time when her net worth is estimated to be $250million, according to Parade.

Yes, money can't buy happiness, blah, blah, blah. But it can certainly buy a high enough fence to keep any of that dreaded "endless scrutiny" at bay.

Grande isn't unique in terms of her status within the global showbiz world.

The Beckhams, The Kardashians, Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, and Billie Eilish are just a few celebrity powerhouses who took the scrutiny levelled their way and monetised it through documentaries, films, and social media.

And there are even bigger names than Grande who publicly despise the intrusion on their lives.

Think Adele, Beyonce, Cillian Murphy, and beyond. And yet, they don't feel the need to make such a public display of moaning about the "scrutiny" and, therefore, welcome more of it. They simply keep schtum.

Yes, Grande has led a different life from the other stars and experienced unimaginable horror and heartbreak, from the Manchester bombing to the death of her ex Mac Miller.

And as I say, taking time out of the spotlight to resolve whatever needs resolving and put a halt to the public intrusion, I am all for. In fact, there are plenty of celebrities out there who I wish would take a leaf out of her book and try silence.

But to pin her hiatus solely on "endless public scrutiny" feels like an ambiguous and unnecessary attack on those who've helped propel her to global stardom.

If it's a dig at the press and media who've platformed her and assisted in garnering the publicity behind her quarter-of-a-billion fortune, it feels misguided.

And if it's a dig at the fans and critics who pay their hard-earned money to watch her perform or stream her latest projects, then I'm afraid that too feels somewhat tone-deaf.

We all could benefit from a break from time to time, but attributing the blame in the wrong places, I fear, will leave some fans thinking thank you... next.