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Sir Cliff Richard has been seen looking happy and relaxed during a boat trip in Barbados as he continues to rebuild his life in wake of his recent legal troubles.

The 76-year-old legendary singer was spotted laughing and joking as he sipped from a champagne flute atop a luxury catamaran just 10 months after he was cleared of sex assault allegations following a two-year police enquiry.

His relaxed day trip earlier this week saw the star looking worlds away from his woes, as he chilled out in the country, where he spends half his time alongside Portugal.

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We're all going on a (winter) holiday! Sir Cliff Richard has been seen looking happy and relaxed during a boat trip in Barbados as he continues to rebuild his life in wake of his recent legal woes

Last June, Sir Cliff was cleared over historical sexual assault allegations after the Crown Prosecution Service announced it would bring no charges following a two-year police inquiry.

He subsequently sued the BBC over its coverage of a 2014 police raid on his Berkshire home, where he is seeking millions in damages and costs.

The legal case centres around the sweetheart deal between police and the broadcaster which led to live TV coverage of the search of his £3million apartment in Sunningdale, Berkshire by detectives investigating historic sex abuse claims.

Cliff, who was honoured with a Golden Jubilee Award as the Caribbean island celebrated 50 years of independence in January, looked delighted as he larked around with pals for the day trip. 

Happier than ever: The 76-year-old legendary singer was spotted laughing and joking as he appeared to sip champagne atop a luxury catamaran just 10 months after he was cleared of sex assault allegations following a two-year police enquiry

Looking back: Last June, Sir Cliff was cleared over historical sexual assault allegations after the Crown Prosecution Service announced it would bring no charges following a two-year police inquiry

Fans will no doubt be overjoyed to see the star looking happy after months of legal troubles, in which he admitted he felt 'publicly violated' due to the BBC's coverage of the raid. 

Clad in a patterned linen shirt complete with navy and blue abstract detailing, he helped show off his deep tan with his white shorts. 

Beyond his laid-back ensemble, the smile on Cliff's face was unmissable as he strutted along before embracing a pal and later joshing and jesting with a friend while cradling a champagne flute on the plush boat.  

Barbados' Minister of Tourism spoke about the star when he was given the Jubilee Prize: 'He has a longstanding relationship with us and he has also introduced many of his friends to Barbados to experience what it has to offer.' 

I'll be there for you: His relaxed day trip earlier this week saw the star looking worlds away from his woes, as he chilled out in the country, where he spends half his time alongside Portugal

Living it up: The singer vowed to put his miserable 2016 by surrounding himself with friends and family in Barbados. He said: 'I’m going to be in Barbados for New Year. I’ve got a lot of friends there and they’ll help me celebrate 2017 coming in

The singer vowed to put his miserable 2016 behind him by surrounding himself with friends and family in Barbados. He said: 'I’m going to be in Barbados for New Year. I’ve got a lot of friends there and they’ll help me celebrate 2017 coming in. 

'I’ve cast 2016 away already. Barbados is very rejuvenating and therapeutic, for both the mind and the body. I love to visit Barbados during the British winter, usually between Christmas and Easter, which is the dry season.'  

After a 22-month police investigation, prosecutors announced in June 2016 that the star would not face any charges. It then emerged that among those making claims against him were known fantasists, a rapist and a blackmailer.

Sir Cliff wants police and the broadcaster to admit they acted unlawfully, breaking protection laws and invading his privacy.

Chilled: Clad in a patterned linen shirt complete with navy and blue abstract detailing, he helped show off his deep tan with his white shorts

In December a defiant BBC set out a hard-hitting 27-page defence statement insisting that he is not entitled to a penny in compensation as the story was in the public interest in the wake of the Jimmy Savile scandal.

Yesterday a BBC spokesman said: 'The BBC argued that both defences should be submitted at the same time.' He refused to discuss the BBC's legal bill.

A spokesman for Sir Cliff Richard declined to comment beyond a statement saying: 'Sir Cliff's lawyers have made him aware of the fact that the BBC has filed a defence to the claim on the date expected.

'We cannot comment in any detail due to the on-going litigation, save to say that Sir Cliff looks forward to the point at which a judge can make a decision based on the evidence he or she will be presented with in court.' 

Way back when: The legal case centres around the sweetheart deal between police and the broadcaster which led to live TV coverage of the search of his £3million apartment in Sunningdale, Berkshire by detectives investigating historic sex abuse claims