AceShowbiz -

The alleged romance Hayden Panettiere is embarking with her "Heroes" co-star Milo Ventimiglia is heating up as she reportedly has introduced him to the entire Panettiere family.

Both actors, who previously denied the persistence romance rumors, are said to have come clean about their relationship and that their love life is getting even more serious. "Hayden's mom adores Milo. She thinks he's so cute," a family friend was quoted by People as saying. "She tells her friends that he's her boyfriend. She's very proud."

Previously claimed he and Hayden were just friends, Milo reportedly hung out with her entire family on a December trip to New York City. "He's even met her grandparents. He fits in perfectly with the family. Milo jokes around with her little brother," the source added further. "They're buddies."

Hayden and Milo, moreover, are said to be "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."

Milo himself, according to In Touch Weekly, has allegedly confessed that he is indeed having a special relationship with Hayden and already made the announcement when he toasted to the 18-years-old actress at the pre-Christmas Water Grill party in Los Angeles. "He called her his girlfriend and said that he loved her," a source in the know told the publication.

A representative for Hayden declined to comment on that encounter, saying "We do not respond to inquiries from the media regarding Ms. Panettiere's personal life."