What can fans expect this season?

Well, I just love this season in general. The writing just feels as fresh and unpredictable and fun like it did in the first season. All of the characters have great things to deal with. As for Susan, people really wanted to see Mike (James Denton) and Susan together. While I was shopping, some woman came up to me and practically started crying. She was just like, ‘We’re so happy that Mike and Susan are together.’ I just find that people really like that.

Last season ended with Susan and Mike getting married. Where do they go from here?

This season is a kind of jumping-off place for them. It’ll be interesting to see how they go being newly married and going through it for the second time. What I’ve always found charming about Susan is that she’s so well-intended. Some of the characters are more selfish, but Susan does have the best intentions. Sometimes she just tries too hard. 

As a mother yourself, do you share any of Susan’s parenting skills?

I am not Susan. I don’t really compare my parenting skills in any way with her. But what I do like about Susan is she’s a people-pleaser. She’s in a situation now where she’s trying to please her daughter and they’re trying to please her husband and she doesn’t realise that she’s creating a big mess because she’s focused on trying to make everybody happy. 

Your book, ‘Burnt Toast and Other Philosophies on Life’ is being turned into a TV series. Can we expect some details about your life being played out?

Let’s be clear on one thing: It is not about my life. There was some erroneous press about the series being about my life which is not even close. There is a character in it who is a single mum, but she’s a writer living in Columbus, Ohio. But it deals with the feelings of guilt career women face and trying to find a balance for your own personal needs. 

And you’ll have a say in the casting?

Oh, sure, I’m the executive producer. I’ll have a say in everything. We hired a really great writer and it’s really interesting getting to be on the other side of a production. 

What do you hope your daughter will learn from seeing you juggle your career, charity work and other commitments?

On any little level, I try to keep her aware of how important it is to give back to society. I just want to teach her basic things really, like respecting other people, respecting yourself, being honest and believing that you have to work hard to achieve something. 

What would you like to change about yourself as a parent?

You know, I feel horrible about being divorced. It’s not great for her, having to go back and forth to her dad’s. But you can’t change the divorce and it’s really my job to concentrate on how to make this work in a positive way. 

Is it tough for her to have a famous mum?

You know, we talk about it and we have a little rule. I don’t take pictures with other people when I’m with her, unless she gives me a look that it’s okay. Sometimes a little girl will come over to our table at a restaurant and ask for an autograph, and (my daughter) will look at me to say, ‘It’s okay.’ I feel like if I constantly did it, I would be putting her to the side. But fame also brings a lot of benefits and she gets that.

What are the benefits?

Oh, the opportunities for travel. The people she’s met and things she’s been exposed to are very different to what most people know. There’s a wealth of opportunity that comes with fame. But you can have all the money you want, and none of that means anything if you don’t have a strong relationship. That’s solid and intact and it’s the most important thing to us.

Would you like her to go into the business?

Absolutely not! 

Susan has a great group of friends in the show. Do you have a support network?

Absolutely, it’s the most important thing, especially since I’m an only child. Friends become like family to me.

How would you like to see Susan leave the series?

Well, she would be 90 and couldn’t hear anyone anymore (Laughs.) so she’d have to move to a home, and you wouldn’t see her again. After another 50 years on the show, I’ll be done.

Desperate Housewives, Season 4, premieres on Star World on July 13, 10pm