Tan addict Amy Winehouse

Jul 8, 2008, 10:15 GMT

British singer Amy Winehouse drinking a sip of her glass of wine whilst performing live on stage at the Rock in Rio Festival held at the \'Ciudad del Rock\' in Arganda del Rey, Madrid, Spain, 07 July 2008. EPA/KIKO HUESCA

Amy Winehouse has reportedly developed a new addiction - to tanning.

The 24-year-old singer - who was recently hospitalised with a lung condition supposedly triggered by her drug use - is said to be obsessed with a sunbed she has installed in her home and even falls asleep under its powerful rays.

Friends are said to be worried that Amy is spending over an hour a day trying to darken her pale skin under the ultra violet lamps.

A friend of the 'Rehab' star told Britain's The Sun newspaper: "Amy can't do anything by halves. Recently she has been going for it on the sunbed, but she won't be told.

"She bought it to get rid of the scabs that started appearing on her skin.

"Over the years Amy has been addicted to alcohol, all sorts of drugs, men and even knitting. Why can't she take up squash or something?"

Amy's friend, Babyshambles rocker Pete Doherty, reportedly tried out the sunbed when Amy first had it delivered to her London house - but hurt his eyes after refusing to wear safety goggles.

The bulbs used in the bed's lamps emit the same type of harmful radiation found in sunlight.

It is recommended that sunbed use should be restricted to a maximum of 20 minutes per day, with a 48 hour gap between sessions.