Elle MacphersonElle MacphersonIt's the time of year when most of us would rather pluck our nasal hairs than put on a bikini.

But if you're a celebrity, it's the done thing to catch some winter sun.

Having presumably not pigged out on way too many mince pies and brandy butter, celebs have instead been slipping themselves into something skimpy - to make most of us feel bad.

Queens of the bikinis include Elle Macpherson, Jessica Alba, Jennifer Aniston and Cindy Crawford.

They're toned and slim and natural.

Then there are those who are a little too slim (yes, this could be interpreted as jealousy on our part). They include Paris Hilton, Nicole Richie, Jenny Frost and Victoria Hervey.

Jenny FrostJenny FrostThen there are those who clearly don't spend every hour in the gym, step forward Emma Forbes, Jade Goody and Martine McCutcheon - we salute you and you may join our club (it's not a fitness one).

Have a browse through our gallery of stars on the beach - and you needn't think we haven't popped some blokes in there too.