Paula and Amy — what a loss, what a waste

PAULA YATES and Amy Winehouse — two amazing, talented women whose lives ended too soon because of their drug and alcohol binges.

Channel 4 is to broadcast a new two-part documentary about Paula (pictured), while Amy is the subject of a new biographical film. Back To Black is being directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson, with actress Marisa Abela as the doomed singer. I hope these productions are not too bleak — but it is hard to see how big and small screen desolation can be avoided. Paula and Amy were heroin-abusing tragediennes and despite their talents and beauty, both became the ultimate losers in life. What a loss, what a waste. Let’s hope the message is clear that for many who start taking hard drugs there is no way back. To Black or anywhere else.