Eva Longoira was an “ugly duckling”

Desperate Housewife Eva Longoria Parker was nicknamed the ugly duckling as a child.

The beautiful brunette says she was bullied for her dark Mexican looks growing up in Texas but admits they have helped her find fame.

Longoria, who has recently married US basketball star Tony Parker, said: "I was the darkest one of my family. I was the only one with black hair and the only one with dark skin.

"All my sisters were light blondes with hazel eyes. They used to call me ugly duckling.

"I grew up without being beautiful so I kind of relied on my personality and my character.

"I kind of developed a skill not to depend on anything superficial because I didn't have anything superficial to depend on," she said on Channel 4's Richard and Judy.

By Kim Gregory, Jan 29 2008 © Copyright 2008 - Showbiz Spy