HOLLYWOOD - Heroes star James Kyson Lee has laughed off rumors that costars Hayden Panettiere and Milo Ventimiglia are dating--because there is a 12-year age gap.

Panettiere, 18, and Ventimiglia, 30, have been romantically linked; however, Lee--who plays Ando on the hit show--has dismissed the allegations.

He says, "The rumor is not true. Let's just end it there.

"I think we were just surprised because they're 12 years apart--for people to even conceive that. I know there have been a lot of jokes, Hayden turning 18 and whatnot. At some point, you just have to let it go and respect their privacy."

http://www.hollywood.com/news/Heroes_Star_Panettiere_and_Ventimiglia_Are_Not_Dating/4920253