POPSTAR Michelle Heaton has been sharing snaps of a short break at a boutique hotel in north Essex.

The former Liberty X star turned personal trainer shared the pictures of her stay at Maison Talbooth in Dedham on Instagram.

In the post she said: "So lucky to be able to have a short break somewhere so peaceful right now .. in the midst of the house being renovated!

"Thank you to my girl @hayleymsparkes for seeing this surprise get away for us! Here at @maisontalbooth .. wearing my fav #bikini (which I thought I’d never get out this year) by @bouxavenue xx."

The Maison Talbooth is part of the Milsom Hotels group and is a 4 AA Red Star hotel looking out across Constable’s Country.

It offers a outdoor pool and tennis court and guests can enjoy dinner at the award-winning Le Talbooth next door.

Michelle was in Liberty X from 2001 to 2007 and returned for a one-off appearance as part of TV show The Big Reunion.

She also appeared in Celebrity Big Brother in 2009.