The 20-year-old actress split from Heroes co-star Milo Ventimiglia in February (09) and has been romantically linked to British TV presenter Steve Jones in recent months.
New reports suggest Panettiere has been getting close to Connolly, 35, after they were spotted together at an Emmy Awards afterparty on 20 September (09).
But the young star has dismissed the claims, telling JustJared.com, "I've known Kevin for so long. You can't have friends with the opposite sex. It's so funny. We're just friends."