Winehouse's current album Back to Black contains hits such as Rehab

Speaking to BBC Radio 1's Newsbeat programme, Mitch Winehouse added the decision for her to take complete rest "is in her best interests".

He said "all options" were being considered as to whether the star would be treated at a rehabilitation clinic.

Winehouse had been due to perform at Cardiff's International Arena tonight.

Gigs were also planned in December in Dublin, Belfast, Manchester and London, and all tickets will now be refunded.

The troubled performer was reportedly treated in rehab this year and UK fans booed her during one shambolic concert.

Fan reaction

Fans have been in touch with the BBC News website expressing mixed views about the cancellation of Winehouse's concerts.

Laura from Surrey said: "If she is now advised to go into rehab and rest then she should do.

My husband is everything to me and without him it's just not the same Amy Winehouse

"Amy has every right to follow the advice of her doctor, we are after all only her fans and as much as we may love her music, we do not own her as a person."

But Georgina Cooke said she feels "angry" with the star after seeing her concert in Brighton on Monday which she described as "shambolic".

Vicky Williams added: "She can't do right for wrong at the moment. Leave her alone!"

A forum on the singer's official website has been generally supportive, with fans saying it would be good for her career in the long run to take a break.

One fan who had tickets to one of the cancelled gigs said: "I'm devastated but don't feel bitter towards Amy - I just hope the rest of her life works out."

A statement issued by concert promoter Live Nation blamed "the rigours involved in touring and the intense emotional strain that Amy has been under in recent weeks" for the decision.

Critical acclaim

Winehouse, 24, was quoted as saying: "I can't give it my all on stage without my Blake. I'm so sorry but I don't want to do the shows half-heartedly; I love singing.

"My husband is everything to me and without him it's just not the same."

This was a reference to Blake Fielder-Civil, who has been remanded in custody until 18 January, accused of assaulting a pub landlord last June.

He also faces a charge of perverting the course of justice.

Winehouse called off a series of concerts and appearances after reportedly being treated for drug addiction, with the US leg of her tour shelved in September.

But the singer has also received critical acclaim for her current album Back to Black, containing hits such as Rehab.

This year she was named best female singer at the Brit Awards, and she received two prizes at the Music of Black Origin (Mobo) Awards in London.