He blends genres like hip-hop, grime and even dance music with ease, and has taken home numerous awards – including a 2003 Mercury Music Prize – for his efforts. But who would have guessed London rapper Dizzee Rascal was a fan of “Desperate Housewives”?

The 24-year-old MC (whose real name is Dylan Kwabena Mills) has revealed he actually loves the American hit TV show – but reckons he can only get away with turning it on if he’s in the company of other women, because his male mates find the show unbearable.

“Depending on who I’m with, I might be partial to a bit of ‘Desperate Housewives’,” the “Bonkers” hit-maker admitted last week, when asked by a US reporter about his TV viewing. “Being with a girl is a good excuse to watch it. I like that small one... Eva Longoria Parker [who plays character Gabrielle Solis].”

According to Rascal – who released his fourth studio effort, Tongue ‘N Cheek, back in September 2009 – it’s not the Hollywood actress’ character that he’s enamoured with; rather, it’s her looks. Turns out Rascal prefers the on-screen antics of co-star Marcia Cross, who plays Bree Van De Camp.

“I don’t necessarily think she’s the best character,” the British star says of Longoria. “I quite like the ginger one [Cross] and the dude in the wheelchair. There’s quite a nice thing going on with them at the moment.”

Rascal, who last toured Australia in January with the Big Day Out, is preparing to head out on a European tour starting in early June.