Despite being diagnosed with emphysema, Amy Winehouse disregarded her health once more as she lit up a cigarette yesterday in front of shocked onlookers.

Having been taken to hospital last week after fainting, the singer’s worried father told reporters the star was suffering from deadly lung disease emphysema, which has been caused by her wild lifestyle.

The worried patriarch went on to admit he had got the diagnosis incorrect - insisting she was only suffering from traces of the killer condition, but it could develop if she continues with her heavy smoking habit.

He said: "Amy really hasn't got emphysema. There's traces of emphysema. Obviously, if she doesn't quit smoking it's gonna get worse - as with everybody else.”

And Winehouse said his famous daughter was determined to get well, saying: "She's smothered in nicotine patches. She's responding brilliantly to treatment. She's actually flourishing."

However, making a rare public appearance on her way to rehearsals for her appearance at English music festival Glastonbury at the weekend, the Rehab star was snapped smoking a cigarette while being driven to the venue, reports Us Weekly.

The move is a shock to fans, as the star has been warned if she continues with her tobacco habit it will severely jeopardise her future as a singer.

Dr. Keith Prowse, chairman of the British Lung Foundation, says: "Emphysema is extremely common but it generally affects middle-aged and elderly people.

Smoking is the commonest cause, and it's basically destruction of the lungs so that oxygen cannot get into them."

Despite the setback, Mitch Winehouse is adamant his daughter won't be forced to cancel her upcoming performance at the music festival, he says: "She really wants to do the gigs at the weekend, and with the doctors' permission - and they've given that permission - she's gonna perform."