Patsy Palmer "Black Bikini” in La Manga, Spain

She previously said that Spanx worked wonders on a post-baby body.
But there was no room for control underwear when Patsy Palmer holidayed with her family at the La Manga Club in Spain last week.

Instead, the former EastEnders star, who gave birth to son Bertie last December, showed off her impressively slim figure in a tiny black bikini as she hit the surf.

 Svelte: Despite being a mother of four children, Patsy looked to be in the best shape ever

Womanly: Patsy Palmer displayed her incredible bikini body in a black two-piece as she holidayed with her husband in La Manga, Spain

The 39-year-old actress displayed her flat stomach and womanly curves as she and husband Richard Merkell enjoyed the warm weather on holiday.

Discussing her new figure, Patsy, 39, said: 'I’ve lost my baby weight the healthy way, slowly. I’m curvier than I was but I’m proud of my body.'

In between kissing her husband, and taking regular dips in the sea, Patsy looked smitten with her baby son, cuddling him and trying to make him laugh as the family spent time together.

Speaking earlier this year, Patsy credited Spanx and regular spray tans for helping her look slim after giving birth.

Mummy and me: Patsy looked smitten with her little son Bertie, who was born last December

The actress, who has another two children with Merkell and a son from a previous relationship, said: 'I put on over two and a half stone during my pregnancy. But I’m not stressing about it and I’m not desperate to lose more weight.

'When you have a baby it’s about you, your baby and your family not about getting your jeans back on!

'My hips are wider, my boobs are bigger and I still can’t fit into some of my old clothes. But I like the shape I am and I am proud of my body.

Loved-up: Patsy cuddled up to husband Richard Merkell as they enjoyed the warm weather in La Manga

'I’m not one of those stars who wanted to snap back to a size zero in a couple of weeks. I can’t stand the pressure it puts on women to lose weight after birth.

'It’s crazy what some women do to get thin. In fact, I find it quite disturbing.'

Patsy, who plays Bianca Butcher in EastEnders, admitted that after Bertie was born, she did feel 'saggy and fat'.

But she added: 'A spray tan and some Spanx body shaping tights always work wonders for me. They are my lifesavers.'

However, there was no sign of any sagging as Patsy and Richard made the most of their time together.

The couple also displayed matching tattoos on their hips - a line of three black star outlines.