Desperate Housewives star Marcia Cross has revealed that her mother is ashamed of what her daughter gets up to on screen.

The Splash news agency reports that her mother was shocked when she scenes of Cross, who plays frisky mother Bree Van De Kamp in the show, in only her underwear.

The actress said that she has to warn her about any upcoming scenes that she may find offensive.

"I think she's a bit embarrassed," she explained to US chat show Live With Regis and Kelly.