As Claire Bennet in Heroes, perky Panettiere plays a cheerleader with healing powers and as a result of this role is a pin-up to geeks everywhere, appearing at fan conventions. A former child star, she has appeared in films, adverts and TV programmes pretty much non-stop all of her life. It seems as if she could have been grown by show biz scientists rather than born. If Hayden didn't exist, somebody would have to invent her.