Eva Longoria Learns French for Fiancé  12/29/06

Desperate Housewives star Eva Longoria is taking French classes in order to learn how to speak fiancée Tony Parker's native language.

The 31-year-old star decided to take intensive lessons this summer (06) while she was on a break from filming her hit TV series.

She tells American publication People, "He's terrible. He always wants to speak English. I try to remind him, but he always forgets and says it's easier and faster to speak English, but I want to understand.

"I couldn't speak French before Tony. All I knew how to say was 'My name is Eva'. I went to a Berlitz French school this summer, doing about five hours a day."

Longoria first met professional basketball player Parker in the San Antonio Spurs locker room just over two years ago and they became engaged last month (NOV06).

Communication should be easier in the future - Longoria now describes her French language skills as "great".