Lying on a beach towel beside Ali Bastian and Adele Silva could give any girl a serious case of bikini body envy.

The pretty soap stars are both sporting matching killer abs, cellulite-free thighs and the sort of perky bums you could rest a pina colada on. 

We jetted off with the TV actresses to LaSource, a luxury all-inclusive resort on the stunning Caribbean island of Grenada, where the lucky girls are enjoying a well-earned break.

The blonde duo, who met eight years ago on the soap circuit, have been busy filming British movie Strippers and Werewolves together – and, after a hectic schedule, they are relishing the chance to relax.

‘It’s definitely been a busy few months,’ Ali says. ‘There were a lot of long nights and action scenes, so it’s good to have a bit of break and recuperate.

‘I think both of us felt ready to collapse in a heap by the pool!’

But despite their busy schedules, the girls have still managed to find time to keep their bodies in tip-top condition. So how on earth do they do it?

‘I’m lucky because I really enjoy exercise,’ says former Emmerdale star Adele, 30. ‘I love running and take my trainers and iPod with me everywhere I go.’

Adjusting her bikini, Ali, 29, nods in agreement.

‘Dancing has definitely been my key to toning up,’ she adds. ‘Appearing on Strictly in 2009 really changed my physique. Dancing firms up all your muscles but still leaves you with curves.’
As they recline by the pool, there’s no doubt the girls have worked hard over the years to carve out successful TV careers.

Adele has been playing soap super-bitch Kelly Windsor in Emmerdale since the age of 12, while Ali starred in Hollyoaks as teacher Becca before going on to play PC Sally Armstrong in The Bill.

The girls are now pursuing careers outside TV – Ali has been touring with Agatha Christie play The Verdict, while Adele features in Brit-flick How to Stop Being a Loser, out later this month.

‘My mum keeps telling me I’m mad to leave a show with as much stability as Emmerdale,’ Adele laughs.

‘But I felt, with Kelly, I’d taken the character as far as I could,’ she adds. ‘As an actress, you need to push yourself and try other things.’

Is she hinting at a Hollywood career? Last year Adele travelled to LA and was pictured working in a Ted Baker store, prompting rumours she’d failed to find acting work. 

‘I wasn’t going over there to try and crack America,’ she says. ‘I was just taking some time out to go travelling and see friends.

‘Of course a lot of actresses would like to get into the film industry over there, but I’ve got a lot going on over here.’

She adds: ‘I’ve got homes in London and Leeds and that’s where I’m looking for work.

‘I’m a jobbing actress and the most important thing is getting regular work.’

Would either of the girls rule out a return to soap?

‘Never say never,’ Adele smiles. ‘Kelly still has a son on the show with Jimmy, so the door is firmly open.’

While Adele has her sights on acting, Ali, who came third on Strictly, has starred in West End musical Burn the Floor and says dancing has become a real passion. 

‘Performing in a musical was something I never thought would happen in my wildest dreams,’ she laughs. 

‘As an actress, I think it’s great to add another string to your bow. Who knows when I might need to break into the cha-cha- cha for a role!’

Another thing the soap stars have in common, besides their enviable figures, is their single status. Ali ended her much-publicised relationship with Strictly partner Brian Fortuna, 29, last year, while Adele has been single since splitting with boy-band member Anthony Costa in 2006.

‘This holiday is definitely all about having girl time,’ Adele smiles. ‘We’re both on the same wavelength – we just want to chill out and have fun!’

So have there been plenty of wild nights out on the town?

‘Not really!’ Ali laughs. ‘We’ve been a bit grannyish really – a few cheeky pina coladas is the most we’ve managed!’

‘I’ve got a new-found love for this drink called BBC,’ Adele chimes in. ‘It’s Bailey’s and banana and coconut liqueur – I love it!’

But despite being happily single, the girls are open to finding Mr Right.

‘I’m 30 now and I do think about settling down one day,’ Adele says.

‘I’ve learnt a lot from my past relationships and I’m ready to move forward.’

Ali nods in agreement. ‘I definitely want to meet a nice guy,’ she says. ‘But at the moment I just want to focus on myself and have fun dating.’

The girls have also been taking part in the wide range of exercise sessions the resort has to offer. ‘I’ve been going on lots of bike rides round the island,’ Adele chirps. ‘It’s amazing because you get to see some beautiful sights and work out at the same time.’

But Ali doesn’t seem quite as enthusiastic about some of the high-intensity workouts…

‘I’m more of a tai chi, yoga kind of girl,’ she admits. ‘Adele’s tried to sign me up for some of these bike rides but I’ve managed to sneak out of them. I’ll leave the more gruelling workouts to her!’

The girls have both been trying their hand at water sports as well.

‘We had a go at aquacise but that was a bit of a disaster,’ Ali says. ‘We were both rubbish at it and couldn’t stop laughing.’

‘We went on a boat trip and got dragged along in an inflatable chair,’ Adele adds. ‘It was fun but pretty knackering!’

With all this saintly exercise, surely the girls have been indulging in some delicious Caribbean cuisine?

‘Definitely,’ Adele laughs. ‘I love the food out here – the jerk chicken is amazing! I’m also a big fan of the chocolate pudding on the hotel menu, it’s to die for.’

As the runner up on Hell’s Kitchen in 2007, Adele’s a bit of a foodie. But she says her gruelling schedule doesn’t leave her much time for cooking.

‘It takes up a lot of time and energy – which I don’t have,’ she laughs. ‘I really enjoy cooking big meals for people but at the moment it’s had to go on the back burner.’

Being so busy means that, after a relaxing few days, the girls have plenty on the go when they get back to reality. So are they both feeling suitably refreshed and revived?

‘Absolutely,’ Ali laughs. ‘This trip is just what I needed.

‘Now I feel like I’m ready to take on my next challenges with a spring in my step.’

Adele nods – but sips her cocktail wistfully.

‘I do feel refreshed but it’s going to be hard leaving this place,’ she sighs. ‘I’m tempted to see if there are any jobs going in the hotel!’

GETTING THERE

Seven nights in Grenada with Virgin holidays (virginholidays.co.uk; 0844 557 3859) including scheduled flights with Virgin Atlantic from London Gatwick direct to Grenada, accommodation at the 4V+ LaSource on an all-inclusive basis with transfers included, starts from £1,699. Prices per person based on two adults travelling and sharing a luxury room, including all applicable taxes and fuel surcharges, which are subject to change.