'Things we think aren't perfect are what make us sexy': Bikini-clad Ashley James shows off her fabulous figure as she slams photo-editing

By LOUISE SAUNDERS and JESSICA RACH FOR MAILONLINE

PUBLISHED: 09:13, 10 June 2016 | UPDATED: 18:21, 10 June 2016

She's previously discussed her battle with body dysmorphia and her struggle to feel confident in her own skin.

And Ashley James expressed her pride at her curvaceous figure in a heartfelt new Instagram post on Friday morning, in which she detailed her self-esteem issues.

Posing in a skimpy black floral bikini, the former Made In Chelsea star, 29, looked happy and relaxed as she reclined on a beach bed during her girls' holiday on the Greek island of Mykonos last week.

'Things we think aren't perfect are what make us sexy': Ashley James expressed her pride at her curvaceous figure in a heartfelt new Instagram post on Friday, in which she detailed her previous self-esteem issues

Hitting out at photo-editing in an impassioned post, Ashley wrote: 'This time last year I'd have not put up this pic or I'd have edited it to make my tummy look flatter and crease-free.

'But now I feel that all the things we think aren't perfect are actually what makes us sexy #bodyconfidence.'

In March, the reality star revealed her former struggle with body dysmorphia in a Twitter post.

Ashley shared a selfie as she explained: ‘Just found this pic I took it to send to @Josiestweet cause I thought I looked too fat. Body dysmorphia is real.’

Struggle: In March, the reality star, 29, revealed her former struggle with body dysmorphia in a Twitter post

The beautiful blonde shared a series of envy-inducing holiday snaps with her Instagram followers from her Grecian girls' getaway.

On Monday morning, Ashley made the beginning of her fans' week a bit brighter, as she shared a number of sizzling bikini pictures.

The model looked stunning in a pink pineapple-print bikini, putting on a very busty display as she frolicked in the crystal clear sea.

The Boux Avenue bikini featured a pink halterneck bikini top which made the most of her famous assets, and a pair of tie-string bikini bottoms which flattered her pert posterior to perfection.

Smoking hot! Ashley looked stunning in a pink pineapple-print bikini as she posted a series of snaps from her girls' Grecian getaway earlier this week

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Gal pals: The former Made In Chelsea star, 29, showcased her toned curves to perfection as she larked around with her model friend, Charlotte de Carle

Going make-up free, the former reality star wore sunglasses and a dainty pendant necklace, as she played on the beach with her gal pals.

But it would seem in spite of her toned appearance, Ashley had enjoyed a spot of over-indulgence when it came to traditional Greek cheese pies on her holiday.

Alongside another bikini snap, she wrote: 'My abs have gone but the cheese pie out in #Mykonos was worth that, the gym'll be there next week.'

Ashley wore her blonde hair loose, holding it back as she threw her hands in the air.

Tasty treat: In spite of her toned appearance, Ashley told her Instagram followers she had enjoyed a spot of over-indulgence when it came to traditional Greek cheese pies on her holiday

Girls on tour: Ashley and Charlotte were also holidaying with pals Sophie Ball and Laura Pradelska (C)

Sun's out, bums out! Ashley hasn't been shy in showcasing her pert posterior in a series of playful Instagram posts during her Grecian holiday

Bottoms up! The blonde beauty seemed to be having plenty of fun in the sun if her social media snaps were anything to go by

It's understandable that Ashley wanted to show off her figure, after she worked hard to achieve it with the help of bodybuilder James Crossley, otherwise known as Hunter from Gladiators.

Speaking to MailOnline about her transformation earlier this year, she gushed: 'I am absolutely thrilled with the results.

'I have seen such a huge transformation in my body, I feel so energised, toned and healthy, I am in the best shape I have ever been in!'

Explaining her reasons for wanting to indulge in such a drastic method to improve her body and fitness, she said: 'I wanted to train with James initially because I was a huge fan of the Gladiators TV programme and the prospect of training with a real Gladiator was just too cool to turn down!

Lady in red: The former reality star flew out to the picturesque Greek island last Wednesday and has been delighting her army of social media fans with stunning steps ever since