Hayden Panettiere has apologised for having cellulite.

The slender 19-year-old actress has launched a furious attack on those who constantly scrutinise her appearance and criticise her for having flabby thighs.

She said: "I live in criticism every day. I used to walk my dogs in my PJs but now I have to make sure I look half decent or else I get trashed.

"Or like having cellulite on the back of your legs. I'm sorry, I'm a woman! I don't know what you want me to tell you. I'm sorry it's not going to go away. I can't do anything about it. I apologise if my legs offended you!"

Hayden's body concerns have not stopped her gaining attention from a stream of celebrity hunks.

The actress- who split from her 'Heroes' co-star Milo Ventimiglia earlier this year - was spotted on a string of intimate dates with British TV presenter Steve Jones last month.

The teenage star enjoyed a cosy dinner with the 32-year-old lothario in London in May.

The couple were photographed cuddling up together several times during the Cannes Film Festival and were spotted enjoying themselves on Sir Elton John and David Furnish's private yacht.