Her character DSI Stella Gibson often goes for a dip in the pool when she is feeling stressed.
And Gillian Anderson looked very relaxed as she swam in the Mediterranean sea on a romantic boat trip with her boyfriend Peter Morgan in Portofino, Italy.
The star of The Fall, 48, showed off her washboard abs in the olive green and pink swimwear as she enjoyed the balmy climes of the Italian Riviera.
Toned and honed: Gillian Anderson showed off her washboard abs on holiday in Portofino, Italy, when she stripped down to an olive green and pink bikini
Gillian's strapless bikini top was gathered together in the middle, and featured a scalloped finish.
Her bottoms had a similar cut and were tied together at the sides by matching lengths of pink string.
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Share 292 sharesAs she stripped off to bathe in the Mediterranean sea, the actress showcased her slender frame and pulled her long blonde hair back so she could put on her goggles.
She performed a graceful dive over the side of her boat as she got some exercise on her Italian break.
Co-ordinating fashion: Gillian's strapless bikini top was gathered together in the middle, and featured a scalloped finish
Chilling out: Her bottoms had a similar cut and were tied together at the sides by matching lengths of pink string as she watched the world go by on her romantic boat trip
Couple time: The actress took a dip in the sea with her boyfriend Peter Morgan and sat cross-legged on the side of the boat as they took in the picturesque views
The X-Files star also caught the rays as she enjoyed a boat trip with her beau.
The blonde beauty protected herself from the sun with a floppy straw hat and circular sunglasses.
The couple perched on the very edge of the boat and chatted as they took in their picturesque surroundings in the north of Italy.
Taking the plunge: Gillian put on a pair of goggles and leaped off the side of the boat as she went for a swim in the Mediterranean sea
Making a splash: Gillian entered the water in a graceful arc as she took part in her character Stella Gibson's favourite hobby
Stripping off: The actress wore a floppy straw hat as she took off her blue striped dress in order to go swimming
Glorious day out: Gillian's boyfriend Peter sat in the front seat of the boat as the actress peered at her phone and lounged on a beach towel
Gillian cooled down by lowering herself slowly into the water, as Peter watched on.
The couple later sat in the main body of the boat and relaxed on top of deep blue beach towels and cushions.
When she got on and left the boat, Gillian covered her bikini with a stylish striped halter dress.
The simple blue dress brushed the actress's knees and proved easy to take off when she got ready for her swim.
Dipping: Gillian, who was taking some much needed time out from her hectic schedule, cooled down by lowering herself slowly into the water, as Peter sat on the edge of their boat
Having a laugh: Gillian enjoyed the company of her playwright boyfriend as they sat on a boat by the Portofino cliff face
Idyllic surroundings: The couple watched a group of swimmers pass by as they were taken on a boat trip on the Italian Riviera
Seeing the sights: Gillian leaned back to take a photograph of the view from the boat as the pair laughed and joked on holiday
Getting cultured: The contented couple stretched out as they took a romantic boat trip to see Christ of the Abyss, a statue of Jesus which is found underwater
Looking excited: Gillian completed her holiday look with a pair of cork wedge sandals and a studded black bag
Holiday snaps: As the couple mounted the steps to a restaurant, Gillian stopped to take a picture of writer Peter
After their boat trip, the pair ate lunch on the cliff face, looking out towards the sea.
Gillian and Peter peered out over the balcony as they dined at the restaurant with a view.
The playwright and creator of The Crown strained as he captured the perfect shot of Gillian enjoying her meal.
Summer chic: Peter, who created The Crown, looked relaxed in a blue T-shirt with grey shorts and a pair of white trainers as the couple wandered around Portofino
Picturesque surroundings: After their boat trip, the pair ate lunch at a restaurant on the cliff face, which looked out towards the sea
Tousled locks: The pair sat and ate lunch as the actress's wet hair dried after her dip in the Mediterranean sea
Shades on: Gillian smiled at Peter as the pair chatted among bunches of flowers as they waited for their food
Snapping away: The playwright and creator of The Crown strained as he captured the perfect shot of Gillian enjoying her meal
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