Marisa Abela, 26, divided fans when snaps of her portrayal of Amy Winehouse were released online but Amy’s bass player gave the star his seal of approval

Amy Winehouse's bassist 'taken aback' by Marisa Abela's portrayal of late singer in biopic
Amy Winehouse’s bassist ‘taken aback’ by Marisa Abela’s portrayal of late singer in biopic(Image: Getty Images for NARAS)

Amy Winehouse’s former bassist reveals he’s “taken aback” by Marisa Abela’s portrayal of the late singer in the upcoming biopic.

The actress, 26, divided fans when snaps of her portrayal were released online but Amy’s bass player gave the star his seal of approval.

Director Sam Taylor-Johnson is behind the biopic named Back To Black, which started filming earlier this year.

Amy’s bassist, Dale Davis, said of Marisa’s portrayal: “There are certain times when I look at Marisa and I’m reminded of Amy, especially in the make-up and sometimes when she talks.

“I’m actually taken back to moments in time. It’s quite evocative in that way.”

He worked with Amy – who died at the age of 27 in 2011 – for eight months following the triumph of her second studio album, Back To Black.

Amy Winehouse
The biopic will follow Amy Winehouse’s life and her rise to stardom(Image: Getty Images)

Dale performed with the later singer’s band at QT at Middle Eight in Covent Garden this week.

The biopic will follow the You Know I’m No Good’s singer’s early life in London in the early ’00s and her rise to global fame.

Amy’s loved ones have backed the project, with the late star’s estate previously releasing a statement saying: “We are thrilled that Studiocanal, Focus Features and Monumental are making this movie celebrating our daughter Amy’s extraordinary music legacy and showcasing her talent in the way that it deserves.”

When the first images of Marisa playing Amy were released, it divided fans with some ‘loving it’ and others begging for the ‘biopic hell to end’.

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Amy’s dad Mitch – played in the film by Eddie Marsan – gave it the family’s blessing.

Amy Winehouse
Amy’s loved ones have backed the upcoming movie(Image: Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic/Getty Images)

Mitch, 72, said: “It’s something we’re excited about as a family because it will concentrate on Amy’s talent. And when all is said and done, that’s what we are left with.

“It will be amazing for fans to relive her genius and introduce her music to a whole new generation. Amy loved championing artists so she would have been so excited to see what Marisa will bring to the role and would be very supportive of her.”

The five-time Grammy award winner was considered one of the most gifted artists of her generation and after her death, her most iconic album Back to Black became the best-selling album of the 21st century.