They denied a romantic relationship after spending time together at the Emmy party in September, but it now appears a sure thing that "Heroes" stars Hayden Panettiere (L) and Milo Ventimiglia are an item. (File Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    BEIJING, Jan. 2 (Xinhuanet) -- They denied a romantic relationship after spending time together at the Emmy party in September, but it now appears a sure thing that "Heroes" stars Hayden Panettiere and Milo Ventimiglia are an item. 

    And although some might say Panettiere is "robbing the cradle" -- he's 30, she's 18 -- Panettiere's family is enthusiastic about the coupling.

    "Hayden's mom adores Milo. She thinks he's so cute," a family friend told People. "She tells her friends that he's her boyfriend. She's very proud."

    People reports that during a December trip to New York City, Ventimiglia hung out with the entire Panettiere family.

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

    (Agencies)