Desperate Housewives star Felicity Huffman fought back tears in court as she admitted taking part in a college admissions cheating scheme.

The 56-year-old pleaded guilty to paying an admissions consultant $15,000 to have an invigilator boost her daughter Sofia's SAT score.

The Emmy-winning actress said "yes, your honour" when asked whether she understood the charges at a federal court hearing in Boston. Prosecutors say they will recommend four months in prison and a $20,000 fine. She is due to be sentenced in September.

Huffman is one of 50 people accused of taking part in the scheme.

It is claimed that wealthy parents paid a total of $25m to bribe coaches to help their children get into universities including Yale and Georgetown.

Court documents said Huffman had paid the money disguised as a charitable donation.

She previously said in a statement that she accepted responsibility and "will accept the consequences that stem from those actions".

So far, 20 people have agreed to plead guilty following a wave of arrests under the code name Operation Varsity Blues.

Prosecutors have charged 33 parents with participating in the scheme, including actress Lori Loughlin, who starred in the TV series Full House.