New Winehouse album 'due next year'

Amy Winehouse's record label has announced that the star's new album is expected to be released next year.

Island Records' co-president Darcus Beese told BBC News that Winehouse has been writing and recording new material "in fits and starts".

He commented: "I've heard a couple of song demos that absolutely floored me. Hopefully we'll have her album next year."

Winehouse released her first disc Frank in 2003 and went on to become a household name following 2006's Back To Black.

However, high-profile personal problems have caused her music career to stall over the past 12 months. She has rarely performed in public since deciding to take a break and tackle her drug problem in 2008.

The 26-year-old was recently confirmed to sing on Strictly Come Dancing this weekend.