Amy Winehouse has been pictured with a cigarette – despite being diagnosed with the early traces of emphysema.

Photographers caught the singer smoking yesterday, shortly after she had been discharged from hospital in order to rehearse for her appearance at the Nelson Mandela concert on Friday (June 27th).

Emphysema is caused initially by damage to the lungs and if it develops it can starve the body of oxygen.

Speaking about his daughter's condition, Winehouse's father, Mitch, told the BBC that if she didn't stop inhaling smoke she wouldn't be able to sing again.

He appeared optimistic about her ability to overcome her condition, however, saying: "With patience, her lungs will recover completely and she's responding brilliantly to treatment - she's actually flourishing,"

Winehouse was admitted to hospital last Monday (June 16th) after she fainted while “doing admin” in her North London home.

In addition to her appearance in Hyde Park, the singer is also expected to fulfil her commitment to play the Glastonbury Festival on Saturday (June 28th).

(by Jason Gregory)