Patrick Dempsey puts sun care first as he oils up whilst on holiday with his family

He's played a doctor in the hit series Grey's Anatomy for over eight years.

And it's no surprise that safe suncare has obviously left its mark - but surely it's even better if you're being oiled up by someone that fans used to call 'McDreamy'.

Patrick Dempsey was photographed on holiday in the Caribbean with his family on Friday.

Nice work if you can get it! Patrick Dempsey rubs suncream into his wife Jillian whilst on holiday

The 47-year-old was seen swimming off a yacht to cool down.

After cooling off in the water, the Sweet Home Alabama star swam back on board and rubbed suncream over his wife Jillian.

It was also an excellent opportunity to show his fantastic figure as he lounged in some board shorts.

You can see why he was called McDreamy: the Grey's Anatomy star dries off displaying washboard abs

Great anatomy: The actor showed off his impressive physique

The green chevron pair showcased the actor's fantastic figure - no doubt sending his legion of fans into a swoon.

Jillian also has an enviable body and she displayed her trim shape in a white string bikini.

She sipped on what looked to be a sparkling beverage whilst her screen star husband rubbed the lotion into her back.

Putting sun care first: the couple were on a yacht in the Caribbean whilst on holiday with their children

The family were also photographed in March holidaying with Cindy Crawford and her family in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

Patrick and Jill have three children together - Tallulah Fyfe, 11, and twins Sullivan Patrick and Darby Galen, six.

Earlier this year the actor became the proud owner of a string of coffee shops, beating Starbucks to snap up the Seattle java group Tully's Coffee.

Towel trick: Patrick dries off ofter taking a dip in the sea

Picnic on deck; The family gathered round for a light bite after a morning of swimming around

But away from the coffee making and sun worshiping, the TV star continues to put in time for his acting work.

Hit show Grey's Anatomy was recently renewed for a tenth series meaning there will be at least another year of the medical drama.

And the actor also has plans for further film work, with an upcoming role alongside Amanda Seyfried.

Hello sailors: The family all looked like they were having a jolly time on their high seas adventure

Dempsey on deck: The TV hunk looked dashing in his swim shorts

The pair will be united on screen later this year in a new comedy titled Wonderful Tonight.

The film will follow the couple who experience an unexpected pregnancy after a one night stand together - sounding slightly familiar to the film Knocked Up which featured another Grey's Anatomy star - Katherine Heigl.

Wonderful Tonight is directed by Christine Jeffs, who directed Gwyneth Paltrow in 2003's Sylvia Plath biopic, Sylvia.