According to The Hollywood Reporter, Gabrielle's mom, to be played by Maria Conchita Alonso, is paying a visit to Desperate Housewives. In an episode tentatively scheduled for February 19 on ABC, Alonso will play Lucia, who drops in on her daughter after leaving the latest in a string of husbands, the network said. Gabrielle is played by Eva Longoria. Lucia has been referred to previously by Gabrielle -- and not in the most loving way -- but hasn't been seen until now.

"She's extremely ecstatic and she loves the role", said Alonso's publicist, Rona Menashe. "She watches the show and loves it."