Hayden Panettiere, star of the television drama series Heroes, is to launch a music career.

The actress will release her debut single 'Wake Up Call' via digital-download this August, with an album expected in the opening months of 2009.

'Wake Up Call' was written by Andreas Rombhane and has been described as a “reggae-flavoured pop song”.

Rombhane, one of pop music's most established songwriters, has written songs for Geri Halliwell, Westlife and Diana Ross.

Panettiere's transition into music follows hot on the heels of Hollywood actress Scarlett Johansson, who released her debut album earlier this year.

In Heroes, Panettiere plays cheerleader Claire Bennett, who boasts the ability to rapidly self-heel.

(by Jason Gregory)