Gemma Merna curves in a black bikini at Las Vegas honeymoons

As Carmel Valentine in Hollyoaks, Gemma Merna is used to playing a perma-tanned beautician.

But when it comes to real-life, the 27-year-old actress prefers to protect her skin.

On her current honeymoon in Las Vegas with new husband Ian Minton, Merna has been lathering on lots of sun lotion.

Newlywed: Hollyoaks actress Gemma Merna shows off her curves in a black bikini as she honeymoons in Las Vegas

Just married: The couple wed in Liverpool last month after four years together

But while she was wearing a high SPF, Merna still wore a black bikini as she lounged by the hotel pool with her spouse.

The couple arrived in Nevada's Sin City on June 4 and are spending two weeks in the sun before heading home to the UK.

Their honeymoon comes following their star-studded wedding in Liverpool on May 27.

Practising safe sun: Gemma tweeted she had been using a high factor sun cream

Among the bridesmaids were her co-stars Jennifer Metcalfe, Jorgie Porter and Nicole Barber Lane, who play her on-screen family.

Despite revelling in the partying, shopping and poolside fun with her husband, it's clear Merna has been missing her co-stars.

She and Ian have both been tweeting Jennifer and former co-star Leah Hackett - who played Carmel's sister Tina until she was killed off in 2008.

So much fun: Gemma has been partying, shopping and hanging out by the pool during her two week honeymoon

Gemma tweeted Jennifer: 'U wud (sic) be proud I've been in the sun longer than an hour and I have tan lines from bikini top!I'm on SPF 30 x.

'I am just loving my holiday .... Chilling and shopping !!! Yay!!! X x x.'

As well as enjoying the weather, it appears the newlyweds have been over-indulging with alcohol.

Going for gold: Gemma had a gold butterfly print on her bikini bottoms

Gemma wrote on Friday: 'So funny @IanMinton is so drunk from by the pool on champers I've had to put him to bed !!!! It's making me laugh so much x x.'

But on Monday, they were up bright and early to watch the England V France Euro match - which saw the teams draw 1-1.

Gemma tweeted: 'Breakfast in bed again !!!! I've been made to watch the England match also ... Let's hope we win or @IanMinton will be in a mood!!! Ha.'