BROOKE BURNS

Brooke Burns didn’t worry when critics growled at her stunt-filled reality game show, “Dog Eat Dog.”

“My manager and I were on the floor laughing so hard when the [bad] reviews came out,” the blond TV show host recalled. “Thank you so much for the belly laughs.”

Sure, Burns can say that now. “DED” – which airs its season finale tomorrow at 9 p.m. – ranked among the top five most-watched series of the summer, and it has been picked up by NBC for 2003.

Burns, who wears a sexy, slim-fitting ensemble as she taunts the audience with go-for-the-jugular questions, is clearly a main reason for its success.

“It’s fun, it’s a young demographic, it’s alive, and it’s all about sweet revenge,” the golden-haired beauty said.

Burns, 24, is a devoted mother of a 2-year-old daughter, Madison Elizabeth, though she’s since divorced the child’s father, Australian actor Julian McMahon.

The Dallas native started modeling at 16, before being cast in the series “Out of the Blue.” This led to a recurring role as the “fantasy girl” on “Ally McBeal” and a short stint on “Baywatch.” She made her feature-film debut in last year’s “Shallow Hal.”

Q: What’s the best thing that has come out of hosting “Dog Eat Dog?”

A: Whenever I valet-park my car, I don’t get a ticket anymore. Also, when you’re acting, people only know you as the character. People now know me as myself.

Q: Do the contestants ever hit on you?

A: Yes. They’ll ask for a hug or a kiss. They’ll ask me to come out drinking or come party. But I think it’s in my contract that I can’t date a contestant, so it’s my safety. I’ll be like, “I would love to! But I’m not allowed.”

Q: Some of your contestants strip off their clothes. Would you ever get naked in public like that?

A: Hell, no! That’s why I’m always like, “Props to you,” with one hand on the mike and one hand covering my eyes.

Q: Who decides what you wear?

A: I have a great wardrobe stylist who goes out and grabs stuff. Halter tops, peasant tops, pants and boots. Fashion with a little edge.

Q: What’s your personal style?

A: A bit more sporty. I think women need to bring jeans and tennis shoes back into fashion. Miss Sixty [jeans] are really long, which I love.

Q: Favorite designers?

A: I love Dolce & Gabbana, Prada. I just got these great Giuseppe Zanotti shoes that look like pieces of art. They have little silver studs on a black strap.

Q: What do you wear when relaxing?

A: I like those Juicy Couture sweat suits. I like vintage shirts. I have a Care Bears T-shirt, Mickey Mouse, Wonder Woman.

Q: Do you work out?

A: Yes – I chase a 2-year-old around, so I lift and squat 24-hours-a-day.

Q: Do you follow a special diet?

A: I should more than I do. I have a really bad sweet tooth.

Q: What gives you substance?

A: My daughter. The little things become exciting again when you have a child. Bubbles, balloons, drawing hopscotch, making Jell-O, painting.

Q: What do you look for in a man?

A: I went through my whole bad-boy stage, and now I want a guy who’s smart, interesting, nice and kind.

Q: What is your most prized possession?

A: My dad’s high school ring. I put tape around [to make it smaller] and wear it out all the time.

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