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“Heroes” hotties Milo Ventimiglia and Hayden Panettiere can deny it all they want, but People Magazine have confirmed that they are a couple.

Panettiere, 18, and Ventimiglia, 30, first set tongues wagging in September by appearing very intimate at an Emmy party. But Panettiere, Ventimiglia and their “Heroes” co-stars claimed the pair were just friends.

A rep for Panettiere was mum on the subject, saying “We do not respond to inquiries from the media regarding Ms. Panettiere’s personal life.” However, “People” magazine does not print stories that they have not confirmed, at least off the record.

According to the magazine, Panettiere’s mother doesn’t mind that her barely legal daughter is dating a 30-year-old. “Hayden’s mom adores Milo,” a family friend told People. “She thinks he’s so cute. She tells her friends that he’s her boyfriend. She’s very proud.”

Amidst stern denials of romance, Milo Ventimiglia has reportedly bought “Heroes” co-star Hayden Panettiere an 18 karat gold ring.

According to “In Touch,” the Tiffany & Co. ring is worth $1,950 and Ventimiglia had it inscribed with the words “Sweet like Hayden.”

The belated birthday gift from 30-year-old Ventimiglia to 18-year-old Panettiere may very well be a platonic gift between friends, but it’s not going to help them avoid those pesky rumours.