`Desperate Housewives' creator says end in sight

"Desperate Housewives" creator and executive producer Marc Cherry told a meeting of the Television Critics Association on Thursday that he plans to end the ABC series after seven seasons.

The domestic comedy-drama starring Teri Hatcher, Felicity Huffman, Marcia Cross and Eva Longoria begins its fifth season this fall.

"I love working with these gals, but the idea of letting anyone else take the show from me kind of makes me sad and sick to my stomach," Cherry said. "We're going to get out while people still like us."

"Of course," he added, "this could be some clever ruse on my part to get tremendous amounts of money in season eight, but who knows."

Cherry, who took part in a "Desperate" panel discussion, also joined a Q&A session with other top ABC producers.

One topic of conversation was the refusal by "Grey's Anatomy" star Katherine Heigl to submit her name for Emmy consideration.

Heigl, who plays Dr. Izzie Stevens on the ABC medical drama, claimed last season's scripts were sub-par. Two of Heigl's co-stars, Sandra Oh and Chandra Wilson, made the Emmy cut when nominations were announced Thursday.

Shonda Rhimes, who produces both "Grey's" and "Private Practice," told the TV critics' meeting that she was surprised by Heigl's comment.

"I actually have a really wonderful working relationship with Katherine and I love and respect her as an actress," Rhimes said. "And, as everyone knows, Izzie is one of my favorite characters, so for me, it was surprising.