Wednesday, 25 June 2008

Amy Winehouse caught smoking after hospital release

Despite doctors' warnings, Rehab singer can't quit cigarettes

Amy Winehouse greets her young fans outside her home in London

Amy Winehouse has been told to quit smoking cigarettes and drugs

Frail singer Amy Winehouse is still battling her serious lung condition – but that didn't stop her from rehearsing for an upcoming gig or smoking!

The 24-year-old checked out of her London hospital for a few hours Monday to practice for her performance at Nelson Mandela's birthday celebration this Friday. (She also found time to shop for a new pair of her trademark ballet shoes.)

Despite her father Mitch's previous claims, reps now say Winehouse is not suffering from emphysema. It's a "scarring of the lungs which could lead to emphysema", says spokesman Chris Goodman. "If she keeps doing the wrong things, then it could lead to it. If she does the right things, it won't."

Doctors have warned that smoking is one of those "don'ts." But the troubled singer was seen with a lit cigarette during her furlough from the clinic.

Still, concert organizers were happy with Winehouse's rehearsal, Goodman says. "Doctors have to give it the final sign off, but it went well," he adds. "She will really enjoy it – she always does."

By Simon Perry