(29 March 2006 6:00 pm)

MUMBAI: US broadcaster ABC's show Desperate Housewives is being turned into a computer game.

The game will give fans of the show the chance to play a fictional character on Wisteria Lane. The game will be released by Buena Vista Games later this year.

Talks are going on with the show's stars Teri Hatcher, Eva Longoria, Felicity Huffman, Marcia Cross and Nicolette Sheridan to appear in the game.

The game puts players in the role of a new housewife who moves into Wisteria Lane - the central location for the television show - and sets about uncovering the scandals hidden behind the idyllic and seemingly perfect neighbourhood.

ABC is said to be continually looking to build upon this successful franchise. It believes that extending this program into the world of PC gaming will result in a fun new way for fans to connect more deeply with the series and its captivating collection of characters.

The game is currently in development at Liquid Entertainment and the move into gaming marks the latest merchandising extension of the television show. This includes a best selling DVD box set, a clothing range, board game, fragrance, online store, mobile personalisation tools, ringtones, graphics and a forthcoming cookbook.