Teenage actress Hayden Panettiere IS dating her 30-year-old Heroes co-star

Having previously denied a relationship, the two Heroes stars, according to their friends are now said to be a fully-fledged item.

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Generation gap: Heroes star Hayden Panettiere is said to be dating her co-star Milo Ventimiglia, who at 30, is 12 years older than the 18-year-old actress

Hayden recently received an award for her role in the hit US show

A source said that Milo, who is 12 years older than his young girlfriend, has been given the seal of approval by the petite blonde's mother, who said she "adores" the handsome, dark-haired actor.

The source added: "Hayden's mom adores Milo. She thinks he's so cute. She's very proud.

"He's even met her grandparents. He fits in perfectly with the family."

The couple are reported to be "very affectionate together, and very comfortable around each other."

According to People magazine, the handsome Heroes star accompanied Hayden to New York to meet her family who don't appear to be bothered by the slight generation gap between the pair.

The source added: "At first it doesn't seem like there's a big age difference, but then you do see it... He's more proper and reserved, and she's still playful and very girly."

The actress' spokesperson said: "We do not respond to inquiries from the media regarding Ms. Panettiere's personal life."

Rumours first flew when the couple were spotted smooching at an Emmys party in September

But by the end of last year, they were regularly seen out together at various showbiz events.

Previously when asked about reports of a possible romance with Panettiere, Ventimiglia rebuffed the rumours and said: "She and I are close friends.

"It's only natural that people are going to couple us together."

Date the cheerleader: Milo and Hayden met on the set of the cult US show Heroes which has become a worldwide hit