Claire Sweeney nearly spills out of her bikini as she soaks up the sun in Barbados after split from Ricky Hatton

CLAIRE Sweeney nearly spilled out of her bikini as she soaked up the sun in Barbados after her split from Ricky Hatton.

Actress Claire, 53, enjoyed a well-deserved break from the chilly British winter, opting to ring in the New Year on a sun-soaked Caribbean beach.

While frolicking in the sea, Claire was caught off guard when her bikini top almost came loose, leaving her gasping as she quickly adjusted her swimwear.

She sported a light blue two-piece with a stylish leaf print, her blonde hair swept up in a tousled updo.

For a walk along the shore, Claire threw on a matching sheer robe and a pair of sunglasses.

The getaway comes just weeks after Claire parted ways with her boyfriend, former boxer Ricky, 46, after an eight-month relationship.

The Coronation Street star found love with the sports icon when they both competed on Dancing on Ice last year.

However, it was confirmed in December the pair had gone their separate ways after an eight-month whirlwind romance that saw them jet across the world together.

Speaking exclusively to The Sun, Claire said she was doing "great" after the break-up and added: "We're still friends. We were friends, we dated then we're friends again. It's all good."

Ricky and Claire had been pals for 25 years before things became romantic after they both appeared on Dancing on Ice at the start of the year.

Since then, they shared a string of romantic trips including dates in Mallorca, nights out at the local pub, and enjoying events including Lytham music Festival in the summer.

The couple appeared smitten, with Claire telling friends she "felt like she'd won the lottery" by dating Ricky "The Hitman" Hatton, while he posted gushing messages on her Instagram for her birthday.

Claire and Ricky's break-up was revealed with a source telling The Daily Mail: "Claire and Ricky remain good friends, there has been no fallout between them.

"They decided they're better off as pals and are no longer romantically together."

The insider said the couple's different lifestyles is what came between them, despite a lot of shared interests.

They added: "While Claire is one of the biggest stars on Coronation Street and is very career-gliding, Ricky's more freewheeling and unpredictable."

The source added that Ricky was already planning to head off to Tenerife "where he feels more at home".

Meanwhile, Claire is focusing on her work and being consoled by her celeb pals and Corrie castmates.