Amy Winehouse to stay in UK

Sep 5, 2007, 11:27 GMT

Amy Winehouse has denied she is fleeing the UK for the US.

The troubled 'Rehab' singer - who made her first public appearance at the Nationwide Mercury Prize last night (04.09.07) since her recent drugs overdose - rubbished reports she plans to move Stateside permanently.

When asked if she was planning to leave her home country, Amy angrily replied: "No".

The star - who flew into London on Monday (03.09.07) following a Caribbean break in St. Lucia with husband Blake Fielder-Civil - kept guests guessing about whether or not she would turn up to the awards ceremony at London's Grosvenor House Hotel by arriving over an hour late for the event.

Amy - wearing an colourful 80s-style mini-dress - strolled into the hotel with Blake and headed straight to the stage for an incredible performance of 'Love is a Losing Game', from her Mercury nominated 'Back to Black' album.

The 23-year-old singer - who was among 12 acts nominated for the award which recognises the best British or Irish album of the last 12 months - then teetered precariously off the stage into the arms of her lover and headed straight to her table, where the couple were both embraced by Amy's father Mitch.

Amy and Blake - who kissed passionately throughout the ceremony and were seen knocking back drinks - vanished from the ceremony for half an hour and were seen driving away from the venue in a taxi.

The couple returned wearing matching white vests - Amy's third outfit change of the evening.

They then sat at their table to hear the winner being announced, before making a swift exit after presenter Jools Holland named the Klaxons.

The band couldn't resist taking a swipe at Amy during their acceptance speech.

Singer-and-bassist Jamie Reynolds said: "I am not surprised we beat Winehouse. Her record is retro and these awards are there to reward thinking music. We have made the most forward thinking record of the year."

(C) BANG Media International