ABC has denied a recent report that bosses behind "Desperate Housewives" were planning to kill one of the five ladies to spice up the show.

One third of the way through its second season, critics have had mixed reactions to the various episodes so far and audience numbers, whilst still high, are certainly off compared with its performance last year.

Adding salt to the injury is that fellow ABC ratings juggernauts "Lost" and "Grey's Anatomy" have both shown improvement in their second seasons both in terms of ratings and critical reaction.

Fusspot Bree van de Kemp (Marcia Cross) was said to be looking the most likely actress facing the axe in May, but reps for the network laughed off the claim which originated in The National Enquirer.

Thanks to 'Wilcox'.