"Desperate Housewives" star Eva Longoria may be hosting next month's Europe Music Awards for MTV, but she has no ambition to pursue a career in pop.

The 35-year-old, best known for her portrayal of Gabrielle Solis in the hit comedy series, will be in Madrid on November 7 to take charge of the annual awards ceremony, one of the music world's biggest nights outside of the United States.

"No, I'll definitely leave the music to the professionals," she said, when asked whether she was considering a career in music.

Longoria has made a spoof rap video for the show, in which she wears a black swimsuit and at one point rhymes "host" with "French toast."

"They handed it (the script) to me the day of the recording," she told Reuters in a telephone interview.

"They said 'Here are you words' and I thought 'Oh my God, this is pretty terrifying."

The actress, married to basketball player Tony Parker, said her love of music, Spanish roots and previous experience at hosting shows meant she was suitably qualified to do the job.

Previous hosts of the MTV Europe Music Awards have included Justin Timberlake, Snoop Dogg, Katy Perry and comedian Sacha Baron Cohen.

"I have some tough competition," Longoria said, adding, "I'm excited about it and I love to be challenged in new ways.

"I love Shakira, Kings of Leon and Katy Perry and Linkin Park - the performers they have lined up are amazing."

Longoria added that part of the appeal was to "expect the unexpected and anything goes and that raises the stakes on the night."