Heroes Hotties Hooking Up
January 2, 2008

Hayden Panettiere and Milo Ventimiglia are reportedly an item, adding a bizarre new dimension to Heroes, especially when you consider that the hot young actress and sullen actor play niece and uncle on the show. Don't expect their off-screen relationship to make it into the show. There were rumors last fall when Milo Ventimiglia and Hayden Panettiere looked awful close at a few events leading up to the second season premiere of NBC's Heroes, but the rumors died down. A new year has brought them back to life, as a few sources are reporting today that the two are definitely an item, despite a pretty significant age difference. Milo Ventimiglia, who plays Peter on the show, is 30, and Hayden Panettiere, who plays Claire the cheerleader, is just 18.

People magazine reports today that the families know about the relationship and even that the family of the younger member has given it all a thumbs up. A family friend of Hayden Panettiere tells People, "Hayden's mom adores Milo. She thinks he's so cute. She tells her friends that he's her boyfriend. She's very proud."

According to the magazine, on a trip to New York City in December, Milo Ventimiglia even spent time with the entire Hayden Panettiere clan. The family friend claims, "He's even met her grandparents. He fits in perfectly with the family. Milo jokes around with her little brother. They're buddies." The source continued talking about the new power couple, saying, "They're very affectionate and very comfortable around each other. He really takes care of her, even down to the little things like giving her a back massage and going with her to work things."

People tried to get official word from Hayden Panettiere and Milo Ventimiglia but couldn't. A rep for the actress told the magazine, "We do not respond to inquiries from the media regarding Ms. Panettiere's personal life."

For other stories about celebrities and their relationships, check out our pieces about Jessica Alba Engaged to Cash, Sean and Robin Getting Divorced, and Pam and Rick Getting Divorced.