Ethan Slater has "a fear of being misunderstood".

The 33-year-old actor - who has been romantically linked to his Wicked: For Good co-star Ariana Grande, 32, since July 2023 - admitted he struggles with texting people back, which comes from "anxiety" around an onslaught of notifications in everyday life.

He told FAULT magazine: "I have a lot of faults. I'm not good at responding to text messages.

"It can make it seem like I don't care about people I love, but it's really about overwhelm. I struggle separating the anxiety of everything coming through my phone from the messages that genuinely matter.

"I definitely have a fear of being misunderstood, and that feeds into it. I feel frequently misunderstood, but you know, that is what it is."

Ethan has noticed a change in recent months as his fame has risen, following his role as Boq Woodsman in Wicked and Wicked: For Good.

He's also had TV parts this year in the likes of Elsbeth and Gen V, as well as continuing his theatre career.

He added: "What's been rewarding over the past six months is that as more projects have come out, people are seeing more than just Boq.

"I don't think I'm that recognisable, I'm pretty niche, but the more people see the different roles, the more they remember I'm playing characters.

"It feels like the roles are moving to the forefront and Ethan is receding a little, which is nice. I feel lucky to be doing more things."

Meanwhile, he and Ariana are reportedly still going strong as a couple, despite the pressures of fame and success.

A source told People: "They both have a lot going on, but their relationship is the real deal."

The loved-up couple have been busily promoting Wicked: For Good in recent days, even though they've rarely been seen together this year.

The insider said: "They're incredibly supportive of each other's careers and so excited for everyone to see their new film."

Earlier this week, a source claimed that Ariana and Ethan have "always preferred to be low-key".

The celebrity duo are conscious of the online speculation surrounding the state of their relationship, but they spent some quality time together after attending the London premiere of Wicked: For Good.

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."