The story of Amy Winehouse’s career wouldn’t be complete without Mark Ronson, her close confidant and the influential producer who helped shape some of her biggest hits.
Yet the makers of a new film of her life have left him out of the picture.
Canadian actor Jeff Tunke was cast as Ronson in the upcoming Back To Black biopic, and tells me: ‘I got to wear his jacket and work with director Sam Taylor-Johnson, which was lovely.’
Yet all his scenes have ended up being cut, and his name has been removed from the film’s credits on film website IMDb.
When I asked about the cuts, the film’s team responded curtly: ‘The character of Mark Ronson has never appeared on screen in the film, so it would not have been possible to ‘cut all the scenes’ involving Mark Ronson as they do not exist.’
The story of Amy Winehouse ‘s career wouldn’t be complete without Mark Ronson. Pictured, Amy Winehouse performing with Mark Ronson at the 100 Club in 2010
Canadian actor Jeff Tunke (pictured) was cast as Ronson in the upcoming Back To Black biopic
The producer and DJ had a close but turbulent relationship with Amy, and worked with her on classic tracks including Rehab and Back To Black, which gives the film its title. He had his own hit with Uptown Funk and composed the Barbie soundtrack.
He has previously spoken flatteringly about the movie, even though he hadn’t seen it, saying: ‘I love the script… Amy was so funny and they really nailed her humour.’
He even showed Marisa Abela, who plays the tragic star, around the studio where they recorded together.
But if Ronson, 48, has decided to distance himself from the project, he’s not the only one.
The film, due out on April 12, has attracted controversy, with many fans accusing the project of exploiting the singer’s legacy, 13 years after her death.
One friend told The Mail on Sunday they were unhappy at the casting of Abela as she does not look like Amy.
The cast also includes Jack O’Connell as Amy’s ex-husband Blake Fielder-Civil and Eddie Marsan as her father Mitch.
