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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Victoria Johns

Amy Winehouse star seen on set for first time alongside on-screen dad playing Mitch

Amy Winehouse star Marisa Abela has been seen on set for the first time as she transforms into the troubled singer for upcoming movie Back to Black.

The cameras began rolling in London today for the much-hyped biopic.

Marissa, 26, was pictured looking defiantly at the waiting cameras sporting Amy's trademark towering black beehive and winged eye-liner, wearing a cropped leather jacket.

The actress was pictured alongside Eddie Marsan, 54, who will be playing the role of Amy's dad Mitch Winehouse.

Eddie, meanwhile, who starred in ITV's Canoe Man, gave Marissa his arm as he channeled her protective father on set.

Mitch Winehouse has given the film, directed by Sam Taylor Wood, his blessing, with a statement from his late daughter's estate saying: "We are thrilled that Studiocanal, Focus Features and Monumental are making this movie celebrating our daughter Amy’s extraordinary music legacy and showcasing her talent in the way that it deserves."

Amy Winehouse star Marisa Abela has been seen on set for the first time as she prepares to portray the troubled singer in Back to Black (Click Media / Dean / SplashNews.com)

In addition to filming Back to Black, Marisa also appears in live action Barbie movie, alongside Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, which will be in cinemas in July.

However, after the first image of the actress as Amy was released - fans were divided.

In the first snap of the Back to Black star in character, Brighton-born Marisa can be seen rocking Amy's beehive - with a hint of the late star's tattoos peaking out from her shoulders.

Back to Black celebrates the life of Amy Winehouse (UK Press via Getty Images)
Mitch Winehouse is played by Eddie Marsan (Click Media / Dean / SplashNews.com)

"Thoughts on Marisa Abela as Amy Winehouse? It's a convincing image, but I know by now that capturing the look isn't everything," one Twitter user asked when sharing the snap online.

"Love it," another declared, as a third fan wrote: "I'M SO PROUD OF MARISA."

However, some weren't convinced by the teaser image - with many taking aim at the production company for making the biopic.

Filming for the biopic is underway (Click Media / Dean / SplashNews.com)

"I hope everyone involved in this gets visited by three plagues every night for the rest of their lives," one fan fumed while another pleaded: "Let the woman rest in peace already."

Meanwhile a third quipped cheekily: "The Cher Lloyd biopic more like," as another asked: "When will the biopic hell end?"

Amy Winehouse was one of the most gifted artists of her generation before she tragically lost her life aged just 27.

Amy's estate has given the film its blessing (Click Media / Dean / SplashNews.com)

Speaking about the star's incredible talent, director Sam - who is married to actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson - said: "I feel excited and humbled to have this opportunity to realise Amy’s beautifully unique and tragic story to cinema accompanied by the most important part of her legacy – her music."

The 50 Shades of Grey director continued: "I am fully aware of the responsibility, with my writing collaborator – Matt Greenhalgh – I will create a movie that we will all love and cherish forever. Just like we do Amy."

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