Desperate Housewives star Marcia Cross has no plans to look for work when the hit show ends this year, and is looking forward to putting her family at the top of her list.

The hit US show, which at its peak plunged 120m viewers into the shady world of Wisteria Lane, is due to be axed at the end of its eighth and final series, and while rumours abound of follow-up shows and even a film, Marcia is not being drawn in.

But leaving the smash suburban comedy behind will not be without its sadness for the actress, who plays prim and proper Bree Van de Kamp: "It's incredibly bittersweet. It's the right time (to end the show), but it will be a huge loss.

"But I can't wait to spend time with my children, catch up on sleep and eat lots of ice cream," said Marcia. "I've had to watch my weight for the show and am looking forward to not having to think about it."

The actress, 49, also told Easy Living how aware she is of the big 5-0.

"Turning 50 is huge, but not in terms of beauty. People spend so much time talking about turning 50, but what most people fail to talk about is that it means your time is running out. It's about recognising how precious time is. That's why I'm not looking to find another TV series at the moment."