Denise Van Outen soaks up the sun over the New Year in Dubai and shows off her slim figure in an ikat print bikini

PUBLISHED: 09:18, 21 January 2014 | UPDATED: 14:08, 21 January 2014

2013 was a tough year for Denise Van Outen, so it's no surprise she wanted to start 2014 with a bit of sun.

The stage-star and radio presenter headed to Dubai at the beginning of January with her three-year-old daughter Betsy and friends, and it was clear to see she didn't indulge over the Christmas period.

Denise, 39, showed off her slim figure in a Melissa Odabash ikat Portugal bikini as she soaked up the sun at the Grosvenor House Hotel.

Looking hot, hot, hot! Denise Van Outen wears a tie-dye bikini on the beach in Dubai

Denise added a pair of aviator sunglasses to protect her eyes from the bright sun, while her daughter looked cute in a frilly red swimsuit.

On the beach they played in the sand and checked out a camel who was resting peacefully on the beach.

Dubai is a favourite hooliday spot for Denise, who travelled to the same location in Easter last year, but this time she bumped into Abbey Clancy and her family who were also having a New Year break.

Girls time: The radio presenter took her daughter Betsy with her on the holiday this New Year

Great shape: Clearly Denise hadn't over-indulged this Christmas as she showed off her svelte figure

Favourite spot: Denise has holidayed at the Dubai Grosvenor House Hotel previously

The last time Denise was in Dubai it was in the midst of her marital split with husband of four years Lee Mead.

But Denise said on This Morning that their break up hasn't affected their daughter: 'She's only three and does two days a week and then she'll come and stay with me.

'We work it between us and Lee's currently doing Casualty, so we're very hands on with her and we've split it between us. She gets to see us both equally, it's lovely.'

Relaxed: after a tough year it's no wonder Denise wanted to begin 2014 with a holiday

Fun times: Denise, Betsy and a friend take a look at some of the camels resting on the sand

But Van Outen has a lot to look forward to now she's back in London, what with her upcoming one-woman show to prepare for.

Some Girl I Used To Know is the brand new play with songs from Denise, and the book co-written by Terry Ronald, the man responsible for the musical arrangements of such bands as Girls Aloud, The Saturdays and Cheryl Cole.

Stylish: Denise wore a Melissa Odabash ikat Portugal bikini on the beach

Need for speed: Van Outen and her pal take a spin on Great Big Mable

Chuckles: The girls couldn't stop laughing as they sped across the water in the inflatable

The story follows a woman called Stephanie Canworth who has it all, but according to the show's website: 'it takes just one Facebook poke from a blast-from-the-past and all the old memories start flooding back - candy floss, kisses, first loves and broken hearts - and with the old memories come the old temptations.'

Denise will sing classic 80s and 90s songs from Soft Cell to Culture Club, and sees her return to the stage after receiving critical acclaim for her Broadway and West End roles including Tell Me On A Sunday, Chicago and Legally Blonde.

Big year: Denise will star in a one-woman show when she returns to London

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Tuesday, 21 January 2014

Denise Van Outen soaks up the sun over the New Year in Dubai and shows off her slim figure in a bikini

Denise Van Outen soaks up the sun over the New Year in Dubai and shows off her slim figure in an ikat print bikini