"It’s clear there are self-image issues, self-loathing. We were recently looking at photos of her five years ago, when she was curvy, and she said, ’I look really happy there’. I said, ’Aren’t you happy now, darling?’ And she said, ’I’ve been happier’. There was a realisation there.

"I know the real problem is she’s depressed about Blake being in prison. I wasn’t in favour of the marriage, but they are married and I will support them, and he’s shown while he’s been in prison a level of maturity that he didn’t have before.

Mother’s letter of support for Amy - Dec 10 1007
The mother of troubled singing sensation Amy Winehouse has written an open letter to her daughter calling on the star to "take stock" of where her life is going.

Janis Winehouse, 52, has previously spoken publicly about the popstar’s chaotic personal life but has now urged the performer to get in contact in a bid to turn things around.

She said the family were "concerned" but not panicking as they were sure she would see things in her "own time".

Despite the singer’s apparent problems her career shows no sign of slowing down after she was nominated for six Grammy awards this week.

Her mother, writing in the News of the World, said: "Early fame has overwhelmed you, it’s dizzied you and muddled your mind. For a moment, forget you’re a superstar. You’re young and vulnerable, no stronger than any of the rest of us."

Winehouse’s nominations include a place in the top categories of best new artist, best record, and song of the year for her massive hit single Rehab and the album Back to Black.

Her mother also says: "Having to cancel your tour, as well, has been very sad. But maybe it will make you stop, think and take stock of where your life is going."

Amy gets six Grammy nominations - Dec 7 2007
British singing sensation Amy Winehouse’s personal life may be in turmoil but her career shows no sign of slowing up after she was nominated for six Grammy awards.

The jazz star’s nominations are only outnumbered by hip hop star Kanye West, who received a record eight for the 50th annual US awards recognising the cream of the music industry.

Amy’s nods include a place in the top categories of best new artist, best record, and song of the year for her massive hit single Rehab and the album Back to Black.

They are the cherry on the cake of what has been a fantastic year professionally for the 24-year-old, but come amid considerable uncertainty about her wellbeing.

Her bizarre behaviour has been a concern to fans for some time but her husband’s recent arrest and the couple’s enforced separation appears to have pushed her to a new low.

Winehouse ended up cancelling her UK tour after several shambolic performances, citing husband Blake Fielder-Civil - who is being held in custody - as the reason she could not go on.

She has since struck up a friendship with ex-drug addict Pete Doherty and has been seen in floods of tears after visiting Blake in jail.

He was arrested after allegedly trying to bribe a pub barman he is accused of attacking and is in Pentonville Prison on remand.

Winehouse is the only performer represented in the album, record, song and best new artist categories at the Grammys.

Amy set for Grammy nominations - Dec 6 2007
Amy Winehouse is expected to be among the top contenders when the Grammy nominees are announced in LA.