Eva Longoria named Maxim's woman of the year

Eva Longoria in the new issue of Maxim magazine. Photo / Maxim

Eva Longoria has been named Maxim's woman of the year.

The 38-year-old actress told the men's magazine it was "awesome" to receive the accolade and she was delighted with the photoshoot which accompanied her crowning.

"It's especially awesome after how long it's been since my first cover," she said.

"I've had a beautiful relationship with Maxim over all these years ... When someone sees the cover of this issue, they're going to say, 'Que rico!' ... (They) say it when something is really good."

Longoria sizzles in a very racy low-cut romper on the cover of the January/February issue.

She is the first and only woman to have ever topped the Maxim Hot 100 list twice in a row (in 2005 and 2006), and showed off her incredible figure in the skimpy outfit, which featured a plunging neckline.

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Because of her sexy image, the former Desperate Housewives actress admits people are often "surprised" be her "domestic" skills.

"One thing people are usually surprised about when they get to know me is how domestic I am. So when you see the sexy Maxim cover and then you put it against me in an apron with flour in my hair, it takes a moment to reconcile that image."

Longoria used to own a restaurant, released a cook book and is involved with a number of charities. She was recently awarded her master's degree in Chicano Studies and says she's always had diverse interests.

"Back in high school I really was the chameleon, too. I got along with the honours math club, then I would go to cheerleading practice, and then I was a band geek as well."

- BANG! Showbiz, Daily Mail