Denise Richards shows off her amazing figure in black tasselled bikini

Denise Richards proved that keeping in shape definitely has fringe benefits when she showed off her fabulous body in this black bikini. The Starship Troopers actress was wearing a two-piece swimsuit with tassles on Malibu beach as temperatures topped a very Californian 26°C. Posting today on her official Twitter page, @DENISE_RICHARDS, she said: '40 is the new 30', and considering she's about to hit 40 in February, she's living proof.

Blonde beauty Denise Richards looked stunning in a black strapless fringed bikini in the Malibu surf

Denise tests the waters wearing her outsize shades

The mother of two has also been busy shooting for her new role in Blue Mountain State, the hit U.S. cable comedy show that launched in January this year.

Although labelled crude by many critics, the show - about a fictional American football team - has just been commissioned for it's second series.

In the show, Denise plays the team coach's ex wife, which she described to her 1,730,000 followersas 'a very funny role.'

The mother of two looks a bit of all white in the foaming waves

Denise posed with her make-up artist in a cheerleader outfit today as she promoted Blue Mountain State

She also posted up pictures of her in hair and make-up today of her doing promotional work for the show - which involved her wearing a cheerleader's outfit.

Denise was married to actor Charlie Sheen for four years, and the couple had children Sam, 6, and Lola, 5.

However, they divorced in 2006, with Denise claiming her former husband was physically and verbally abusive, visited prostitutes and was addicted to prescription drugs.

Denise waves to pals as she covers up from the sun in a khaki shirt

She also starred in E!'s reality TV show Denise Richards: It's Complicated. It debuted in May 2008 and spawned a law suit from her ex Sheen, as he tried to stop her featuring their daughters in it.　

However, Denise won the case and the show ran for a year, until she made the decision to appear in last year's Dancing With The Stars.

Denise only lasted until week three of the show though, which was eventually won by Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger, partnered by Cheryl Cole's close friend Derek Hough.　

Denise also revealed yesterday she was heading to New York for New York Spring 2011 Fashion Week, which kicked off yesterday　 - though we presume she'll have taken the cheerleader outfit off before she goes.