Cynthia Erivo opens up on relationship with Wicked co-star Ariana Grande after explaining why they often like to 'touch each other'

Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande clearly share a very tactile relationship.

Ever since the Wicked press tour ahead of the movie hitting theatres in 2024, it became apparent that the co-stars had struck up a very close bond.

Now that the film's sequel, Wicked: For Good, is coming out on November 21, Erivo and the singer appear to be up to their same old tricks, staying in close proximity with each other and, as per, always touching.

Earlier this month, the pair made headlines when a fan rushed onto the golden carpet in Singapore to meet Grande, and Erivo wasted no time in stepping in to protect her from the wild fan.

After she pushed the man off Grande, security promptly rushed in to drag him away from the red carpet.

Now, the 38-year-old British actress has revealed exactly what type of relationship they share.

Speaking on NBC News, the Widows star said: "This is a long-lasting friendship for us; we're kind of like sisters at this moment in time, you know? And I think we've both learnt from each other and given each other some really, really beautiful gifts.

"We've really looked after each other through this," she continued.

As to how she reacted so swiftly to the crazy fan, the celeb explained: "I wasn't really thinking, I just wanted to make sure my friend was safe, you know? I'm sure he didn't mean us harm; you just never know with those things, and I wanted to make sure that she was okay. That was my first instinct."

Her insight comes as Grande also spilt the beans on their close bond while on Amy Poehler's Good Hang podcast this week.

The 'Thank U, Next' hitmaker said their physical intimacy was an important part of the duo's success on screen and the wider ethos of Wicked's production.

She said they 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'.

In reference to the viral 'holding space' moment, where Grande could be seen clutching Erivo's finger as she became emotional in another interview, the singer explained: "I channel a lot of energy through my hands, and so I'm always holding a hand, I'm always squeezing something."

"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.

Yet, according to the singer, their intimacy is all down to her, as she said she instigated it all after meeting 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," she recalled saying.