Simone Ashley flaunts her incredible figure in a skimpy black bikini as she soaks up the sun during lavish trip to the Maldives

Simone Ashley swapped her Bridgerton ballgowns for a bikini this week during a lavish trip to the Maldives.

The actress, 29, took to Instagram on Tuesday to share a slew of snaps in a skimpy black two-piece while posing up a storm on the beach.

She also shared videos of a boat trip as she leaned over the side and spotted dolphins swimming along.

In another image she put on a leggy display in a black and silver sequin dress as she strutted her stuff along a pier at sunset.

She captioned the stunning post: 'Dolphins, baby birds, turtles, fishies! ☀️ @amillamaldives - Thank you.'

Simone wore her curly brunette tresses in loose waves and opted for a low-key makeup look to show off her naturally radiant complexion.  

Simone plays Kate Sharma in Netflix hit Bridgerton but has also had a role in Sex Education. 

She's due to reprise her role in the fourth series of Netflix's hit costume drama, having recently confirmed: 'I know that I am returning.'

The Surrey-born star added: 'I adore the show, and the more I can be a part of it, the better. They've been really kind to work around my schedule.'

Speaking to People, Ashley also said we can expect to see plenty of her character and on-screen husband Anthony Bridgerton (Jonathan Bailey) in season 4. 

'Kate and Anthony are really special characters and I think what drew me and Jonathan to their relationship is how complex it is and how beautiful it is. 

'I think there's always going to be something to love,' Ashley said.

It's Benedict Bridgerton's turn on the marriage market in season four - after season three focused on Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton's romance.

Netflix confirmed earlier this year: 'Despite his elder and younger brothers both being happily married, Benedict is loath to settle down. 

'That is, until an enthralling woman captures Benedict's attention at Violet Bridgerton's (Ruth Gemmell) masquerade ball. 

'While Benedict knows his love interest as only the Lady in Silver, she's actually Sophie, a resourceful maid with her own secrets and dreams.'

Aside from Sophie Baek, there will be three new characters spinning around the Bridgerton ballroom in Season 4.

The twice-married and twice-widowed Lady Araminta Gun, played by Katie Leung (best known as Cho Chang in the Harry Potter series), has two daughters debuting on the marriage mart this season and she's feeling the pressure to get at least one of her girls married off. 

Araminta's eldest daughter, Rosamund Li, will be played by Michelle Mao. 'Beautiful, vain, and eager to please her mother, Rosamund sets her sights on Benedict this social season,' the streamer revealed. 

'And, just like her mother, she is determined to get what she wants.'

Rosamund's younger sister, Posy Li, will be played by Isabella Wei. She is also debuting this year, but Araminta rarely puts the spotlight on her second child. 'Posy's chatty, overly friendly demeanour often has her putting her foot in her mouth.'