Heroes star Milo Ventimiglia has finally come clean about his relationship with co-star Hayden Panettiere. The pair were rumored to be dating, but always denied they were more than just good friends.

According to reports, the 30-year-old actor announced he and Panettiere were dating when he toasted the 18-year-old at a pre-Christmas Water Grill party in Los Angeles. Sources say Ventimigila told co-stars that he was dating Panettiere and even told her he loved her.

"He called her his girlfriend and said that he loved her," says an eyewitness. The insider adds that the couple spent the rest of the night holding hands.