Panettiere denies wanting Ventimiglia fired

Heroes star Hayden Panettiere has denied claims that she attempted to get ex-boyfriend Milo Ventimiglia axed from the NBC show.

The actress, who plays Claire Bennet, was reported to have wanted Ventimiglia, who portrays her on-screen uncle Peter Petrelli, kicked off the drama following their split last month.

However, speaking to OK!, the 19-year-old dismissed the rumours, saying: "Milo and I are very close. We have enjoyed and continue to enjoy working together."

Meanwhile, show creator Tim Kring has assured fans that the relationship between Panettiere and Ventimiglia would not affect how he developed storylines for the rest of the season.

"The final decision about which characters live and die on Heroes rests with me," he insisted. "I've made no announcement yet as to who will return and who won't."