The drama series - created by Marc Cherry and starring Teri Hatcher and Eva Longoria - will come to an end next May after the "victory lap" of a final eighth season. ABC President Paul Lee said: "It`s an iconic show and we`re extremely proud of it. I just wanted to make sure it had its victory lap." Marc admitted the cast - which also includes Felicity Huffman and Marcia Cross - were shocked when they heard he and Paul had taken the decision to end the show. He said: "There was a touch of shock. I`ve spoken to over half of them. "It was bittersweet and lovely, because the women knew there was the possibility ┘ They said some very lovely things to me about how I`ve changed their lives and careers. I truly, truly love every one of them. They fill me up with such emotion inside; I love my cast. [They`re] people who are smart enough to be grateful." After taking the decision to end the programme, Marc admits he considered a spin-off, but decided to go out on a high instead. Speaking at the Television Critics Association summer press tour in Beverly Hills, he said: "The truth is I sort of thought about [a spin-off] a little bit, but as a writer ┘ I don`t want repeat things I`ve done. "I wanted to go out when the network still saw us as a viable show and a force to contend with. We felt from a creative standpoint that this was the right time. I feel so good about it." Following the announcement, Eva later took to her twitter page to pay tribute to `Desperate Housewives` and thank fans for their support. She wrote: "It`s confirmed! We are filming our last season of Desperate Housewives! I am so grateful for what the show has given... "Wow! thank u everyone for your beautiful comments! We have such amazing fans! Watch this final season, it is going to be the best one!!(sic)"