Ariana Grande finally explains why she and Wicked co-star Cynthia Erivo often like to 'touch each other'

Ariana Grande has opened up about the physical intimacy many fans have noticed her sharing with her Wicked co-star Cynthia Erivo.

The co-workers' touchy-feely relationship has drawn eyebrows since the first press tour for the smash hit screen adaptation of the musical Wicked last year, even reaching the status of meme after one particularly notable hand-holding moment.

While taking questions from the press, the friendly pair were told that many fans were 'holding space' for some of the song's hits, causing Erivo to become emotional - and Grande to grab one of her fingers in support.

And the pair's close relationship doesn't seem to have changed for the press tour for the film's sequel, Wicked: For Good, which is set to be released in cinemas next week (November 21).

And now, Grande has finally explained her bond with Erivo and why they are often seen physically touching.

Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo's on-screen relationship has become an off-screen friendship (John Shearer/97th Oscars/The Academy via Getty Images)

Speaking on comedian Amy Poehler's Good Hang podcast this week, the 'Thank U, Next' singer said their intimacy was an important part of the duo's success on screen and the wider ethos of the film's production.

Towards the end of the wide-ranging interview, she told the Parks and Recreation star that she wanted 'to be safe in each other, with their emotional and physical closeness aiming to keep them 'as connected as much as possible, every step of the way'.

She went on to explain how she instigated the intimacy, recalling an early conversation with Erivo: "Hey, we're getting to know each other, we're gonna learn a lot about each other very quickly, I want you to know there's nothing that we can't talk about."

This gave Poehler her chance to ask about their infamous intimacy, which sparked nervous laughter almost straight away.

Grande explained that she uses touch to show support (Michael Kovac/Getty Images for Critics Choice Association)

"You guys just physically checked in, it's really sweet how you touch each other," Poehler said as they both broke down into giggles.

Holding it together, the host went on: "You like to touch, in a non sexual way, in a loving way, like supporting each other. You like to hold each others hands, its very sweet."

Thinking for a moment to explain her touchy-feely attitude, Grande said: "I channel a lot of energy through my hands, and so I'm always holding a hand, I'm always squeezing something."

Referencing the 'holding space' moment that went viral, the 'Eternal Sunshine' singer explained that her hands-on approach depends on 'who I'm with'.

After receiving the odd question, Erivo responded quietly, 'I didn't know that was happening,' before adding emotionally, 'That's really powerful.'

"I like to channel support and energy... I didn't even notice it was a thing until that thing happened," Grande admitted of the bizarre moment.

"I didn't know what the f**k was going on."

She added: "I knew it was tender and sincere and beautiful, and I just wanted to be supportive. It felt sweet, it felt beautiful, and it was beautiful."

She said this supportive atmosphere had been nurtured as part of the production, which earned $759 million at the box office, with Grande saying that director Jon Chu encourages the cast to take care of each other 'so we can honor the project as much as humanly possible, and do great work'.