Exclusive: Mrs. Huber Resurrected!

Don't buy any carnations just yet for Desperate Housewives' ill-fated Mrs. Huber. Despite the untimely death of Wisteria Lane's resident busybody last night (literally) at the hands of creepy Paul (Mark Moses), her portrayer, Christine Estabrook, reveals that "Mrs. Huber's like the Terminator — she'll be back." But how? When? Where? Luckily for us, just like her alter ego, Estabrook is one to gossip.

TV Guide Online: What was your reaction when you found out they were killing off Mrs. Huber?
Christine Estabrook: It's the biggest show on TV right now, so I was really disappointed. And I love the character. But, um, how can I put this to you... I'm still shooting episodes.

TVGO: Really? For how much longer?
Estabrook: I don't know. I honestly don't know. I think [the writers know], but they don't tell me.

TVGO: I can't imagine they'd bring you back as a ghost. It's gonna get crowded up there.
Estabrook: I can't say anything! Help, help!

TVGO: How did [series creator] Marc Cherry break the news to you?
Estabrook: He took me aside and said, "Christine, I want to talk to you for a minute." And, of course, I thought it was something about changing a line or coming up with something funny to do. And he said, "I want you to know that Mrs. Huber is going to be strangled — but you'll be back." And they know not to tell me [more than that] because I am such a gossip.

TVGO: What was it like shooting your death scene?
Estabrook: Every time Mark would strangle me and they'd call "Cut!", I'd sit up and go, "I'm not dead yet!" Mrs. Huber can't die. She just can't.

TVGO: Do you get recognized in public a lot now?
Estabrook: I've been in the business for more than 20 years and suddenly, I can't buy underwear. I went into Nordstrom's the other day and people were looking at me and I thought, "Oh, I'm dressed so badly they think I'm going to steal something." And then they come over and they go, "Aren't you in Desperate Housewives?" And I'd say, "Yes, I'm Mrs. Huber." And they go, "Yes, I know. We love that show so much!" One of the women actually asked me which shoes she should buy. "Should I buy these shoes or these shoes?" She was asking Mrs. Huber for her taste.

TVGO: What's it like?
Estabrook: It's hard because I went into the store to buy underwear. And I didn't want to go to the underwear section because they kept watching. I would go from section to section and they would follow me.

TVGO: Did you ever get the undies?
Estabrook: No! I'm gonna have to mail-order them.

TVGO: In the meantime, no clean undies?
Estabrook: (Laughs) No, it's just where the rubber band is all gone.

TVGO: Yikes...
Estabrook: You know what I mean?

TVGO: Unfortunately, yes. That's awful.
Estabrook: That is awful.

TVGO: Still, all of the attention must be fun.
Estabrook: It is. I ran out to the Nordstrom's parking lot to call my manager. I've flown under the radar for so long.

TVGO: Well, those are all of my questions...
Estabrook: ...I was going to tell you one more thing, but I just can't remember what it was.

TVGO: You were going to tell me whose body was under the pool.
Estabrook: (Laughs) I don't know. I honestly don't know.

TVGO: Oh, I know what you were going to tell me: You were going to tell me who doesn't get along on the set.
Estabrook: You know what? I don't see people not getting along. I don't. I'm not there enough, maybe, but I don't see it.

TVGO: There has to be a catfight that breaks out sooner or later. Look at the cast.
Estabrook: Well, as soon as it happens, I'm sure you'll know, but I haven't seen anything happen.

TVGO: Are you gonna call me when you hear something?
Estabrook: Oh, I'm gonna have to call my publicist and see.

TVGO: Like, when Nicollette Sheridan goes for Teri Hatcher's throat.
Estabrook: I have to tell you, Nicollette and I are best friends. She's fabulous. She treats me just like I'm one of the gals.

TVGO: So, I understand you're calling me from your dentist's office. What kind of work are you having done today?
Estabrook: I hate to even say it — periodontal cleaning.

TVGO: Yeesh, what's that?
Estabrook: You're young. It's like a major cleaning. They get in there with the big-gun equipment and they dig and dig and dig...

TVGO: Do they knock you out?
Estabrook: No, but I take gas.

TVGO: I'm a big fan of gas.
Estabrook: Otherwise, I would just scream. It's so intense. But I feel that as Mrs. Huber's [portrayer,] I deserve it. It's my penance.