A DAVID Bowie superfan is transforming her body with tattoos in memory of the late musician.

Marie Elliott, 36, from Winnington, has spent thousands of pounds and countless hours in the studio.

To commemorate the first anniversary of his death Marie designed a new tattoo, inspired by his final album, Blackstar, on her wrist and plans to add to the tribute.

She said: “The lightning bolt is like the Bowie trademark and the Blackstar is because of his passing –‘look up here I’m in heaven’.”

Marie first fell in love with the Bowie, who died in January 2016, after seeing him on a poster for the 1986 fantasy movie Labyrinth in the Regal Cinema.

She said: “I watched the Labyrinth at home on VHS and I became hooked.

“It was my favourite childhood movie, then more in my teens and early 20’s I fell more in love with the many faces and sounds of Bowie.”

Marie, who also has a substantial amount of Bowie memorabilia, is currently putting the finishing touches to her massive Labyrinth-inspired back tattoo.

She said: “I have a portrait of David as the goblin king on my back with a few others out of the film.

"I also have Hoggle the dwarf goblin’s portrait on my arm as the start of a sleeve.

“I chose Labyrinth because that’s how I came to love Bowie.”

Marie admits she has an ‘obsession’, but said her friends and family accept it as part of her.

The 36-year-old, who has never seen her idol in the flesh, said Bowie’s music has been the ‘soundtrack to her life’.

Her favourite songs include Underground, Oh You Pretty Thing, Let’s Dance and Life on Mars. Her favourite album is Hunky Dory.

She said: “His music is powerful it helps you escape dark places for sure. It can take you and your mood to a wonderful high.”

Marie said she took the news especially hard when Bowie died.

The English singer, songwriter and actor died at his New York City apartment in January 10, 2016, following an 18-month battle with liver cancer.

Marie had been celebrating her 35th birthday when she heard the devastating news.

“My heart broke and I cried for days,” Marie said.

“I found comfort from my Bowie groups on Facebook and everyone that knows me knows what a massive fan I am.

“I got lots of messages over those few days.”

One of Marie’s friends, and a fellow Bowie fan, placed a card from her outside his home in New York.

The first anniversary of his death wasn’t much easier to take.

She said: “Gutted doesn’t cover it, he’s my hero, my heart. To quote him ‘something happened the day he died’. “