Ripped Gemma Atkinson reveals to-die-for bikini body as she holidays on the beach in flattering two-piece

PUBLISHED: 13:52, 16 March 2014 | UPDATED: 14:36, 16 March 2014

Former Hollyoaks actress Gemma Atkinson has unveiled what most people have only just started striving for, this summer - a bikini body.

The blonde beauty was pictured holidaying on the beach in a stunning halterneck two-piece on Saturday and boasted a dynamic physique.

Enjoying the sun as she sunbathed alone, the model clearly enjoyed her solitude as she continued her dedicated fitness regime alongside the water.

Looking good: The former Hollyoaks actress wore a flattering red, halterneck bikini

The model clearly enjoyed her solitude as she continued her dedicated fitness regime along the water

With her long hair left loose, the 29 year-old proved that a year-round exercise regime can work wonders for a person's physical appearance.

A regular at the gym and a competitor in last October's Blenheim Palace 10K marathon, Gemma displayed a perfectly flat stomach - marred only by a dated tattoo - alongside toned arms, legs and a healthy glow.

Her healthy lifestyle is fitting given that she plays a paramedic in BBC Drama Casualty.

Gemma Atkinson displayed a seriously good figure as her health and fitness regime pays off

The latest role comes after Gemma actively stopped posing for so-called lads' mags.

Writing on her blog she said: 'I decided to stop glamour modelling about two years ago. That's not to say I didn't enjoy it or appreciate the work I got from it, I just felt I had done enough. I featured on every lads mag cover here in the UK numerous times and also a few in Australia and America.

'I have been extremely lucky and I'm extremely grateful, however I have been acting since I was 14 years old and that's my passion.'

Diving in: Gemma Atkinson shows off her toned physique whilst on holiday

The actress said giving up glamour modelling has helped her achieve respect from casting directors

She added: 'Being a Glamour Model took all of the above away from me and gave the majority of people the wrong impression of me. Casting directors and producers failed to believe I was serious about acting (and rightly so!) I was also being judged by the public as a party girl who dates footballers.

'Don't get me wrong, I was and I did... But that was 9 years ago when I was aged 18-22! Along with 99% of people that age, I had fun (and I've got the embarrassing pictures to prove it!!!) #cringe!!!! BUT I have grown up and a lot has changed in my life.'