Forty-something Nicollette puts desperate starlets in the shade

Nicollette looked swell, despite the popular series ending on a cliffhanger - literally - which saw her character, the unlucky in love Edie Britt attempt to hang herself.

The 43-year old enjoyed a break aboard a luxury yacht moored off the Meditteranean isle of Corsica with long-time paramour, singer Michael Bolton.

Wearing a succession of bikinis, Nicolette displayed her toned legs, and enviably flat stomach, which would easily put some of Hollywood's younger starlets to shame.

The star, who is the face (or should that be bottom) of underwear brand Hestia recently blasted young starlets Britney Spears and jailed heiress Paris Hilton who have been exposed in photographs not wearing any underwear.

She told an Australian newspaper: "I think it serves you right getting caught by the paparazzi if you are going to be getting out of a car like that. It's disgraceful.

She added: "They make fabulous underwear these days that is seamless, so there's no need for you to go, as they say, commando."

Enjoying her downtime aboard the luxury yacht, the British born actress read a book while she topped up the ever-present Hollywood tan, and eschewed the obligatory glass of champagne for a good old mug of tea.

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Tea time: The actress was born in West Sussex, and clearly she likes nothing more than a nice cup of tea

Fine form: The Desperate Housewives star has been a television regular since her days on eighties soap Knots Landing

Nicollette has been engaged to Bolton for almost eighteen months, but the couple have yet to announce plans to wed anytime soon.

Despite being the least publicised of the four Desperate Housewives cast, she has won praise for her role in the show.

Industry bible Variety has praised the actress for "responding well to increased screen time, showcasing her acting and comedic talents."

Nicollette and fiance Michael Bolton have been engaged for almost 18 months but have not set a date to wed