People News

Amy Winehouse's comic sanctuary

Jul 16, 2008, 9:40 GMT

British singer songwriter Amy Winehouse performs on stage at the Glastonbury Festival in Somerset, west England, on 28 June 2008. The Glastonbury Festival, a festival of contempory perfoming arts, runs from 27 to 29 June 2008. EPA/FRANTZESCO KANGARIS

Amy Winehouse is to stay at late comedian Frankie Howerd's "healing sanctuary".

The troubled singer's mother Janis hopes the move to the quiet house in Somerset, South West England, will help her overcome her drug and drink problems after hearing it assisted Chris Byrne - a friend of the comic star - in beating alcoholism.

The £800,000 property is currently on the market but Chris is considering turning it into a drug rehabilitation centre after Janis contacted him about the possibility of sending 24-year-old Amy there.

Chris, 41 - who lives in the dwelling with 'Carry On' star Frankie's former manager and partner, 80-year-old Dennis Heymer - said: "Janis said she wanted to come down and bring Amy as it might help her. Janis seems to think there may be something in the atmosphere of the place that has healing.

"I told her if the house does not sell I would turn it into a drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre."

The house is currently a tourist attraction, and also hosts concerts.

It is open to the public as a museum of Frankie's collection of memorabilia to raise fund for charities.

Frankie died at the age of 75 in 1992.