Ne-Yo has hit back at reports that suggest he is romacing Heroes star Hayden Panettiere, and insists that they are merely “friends.”

The pair – who toured Ronald McDonald Houses in Dallas, Detroit, Philadelphia, and New York to raise awareness about World Children’s Day – were spotted holding hands during a night out in New York City.

"Hayden and I just met yesterday. We've only known each other for one day," Ne-Yo told People.com  "She was hanging out with some friends and invited me to come out."

The Sexy Love singer also took the opportunity to explain why he was holding her hand: "I was helping her out of the car. She had these shoes – they were cute – but they were torture devices, so I had to help her."

He added: "I'm a fan of Hayden's show Heroes, so I was excited to know she was going to do this with me. Hayden is cool people. She's a little silly. But silly is good."

To see the pair working it for the Ronald McDonald Houses, click here!