The rumours started circulating on Twitter this afternoon, now it’s been confirmed by major news organisations. Amy Winehouse has been found dead in her North London flat. At present, police are describing the death as “unexplained”.

“I’m genuinely devastated,” says Hot Press Assistant Editor Stuart Clark. “I interviewed her on two occasions in Dublin before her drink and drug use spiraled out of control and she couldn’t have been funnier or more personable. She doted on her band, one of whom told me that you could always rely on Amy to arrive on your doorstep with Lucozade and a chicken casserole if you were laid up in bed with the ‘flu. Although childless, she described herself as ‘the typical Jewish mother’, always looking after and worrying about people."

Clark also spoke of her kind way with her fans and the musical legacy she leaves behind.

“We were having a chat in The Four Seasons before the 2007 Meteor Music Awards. A little six-year-old ran over and said, ‘Are you Amy Winehouse?’ She swept the youngster up in her arms, gave her a big kiss and a cuddle. Amy then waved across the room at Mum and said, ‘Do you want to take a picture of me and your little princess?’. Another example of how lovely a lady she was. She looked tired that day, but otherwise healthy and upbeat. "

"Six months later news broke of her heroin use and it was downhill from there. Musically though, she will always be one of the greats – I’m listening to Back To Black now and it’s truly immaculate.”

You can read that February 2007 interview in our Archive Interview of the Day.

Meanwhile, the tributes have already started to pour in for Amy on Twitter.

“My heart is heavy,” says Janelle Monae. “My heart goes out to Amy Winehouse's family and loved ones. Praying for their strength during this time.”

Tweets RTÉ’s John Kelly: “Back when I presented Other Voices, Amy performed. I was blown away by how good she was. The real deal.”

Those sentiments are echoed by Thomas Walsh: “Pugwash are genuinely shocked and sadenned. A true talent amongst a sea of homogenised shit. R.I.P.”

Canadian electro merchants Chromeo simply say: “RIP. An icon of our generation.”

Touching words too from Dita Von Teese: “Devastated. I spent extraordinary times with Amy. She sang for me once for hours, it was the most beautiful and touching thing. A huge loss. She was the closet thing we have ever had to Billie Holiday, she was a true soulful talent. I'm so sad. I hope she is at peace.”