Hayden Gets Handsy - With Boyfriend's Brother!

Pastor Zach a far cry from bad-news Brian

In a plot twist worthy of her country music soap “Nashville,” Hayden Panettiere is hanging out with the preacher brother of her bad-news boyfriend Brian Hickerson!

After a string of boozy arguments and a felony charge of domestic violence against Brian, Hayden is keeping company with his look-alike brother, Zach.

Leaving her troubles behind in Los Angeles, the pint-sized actress was spotted holding hands with Zach in New York on Sept. 4!

“It’s a very strange set of circumstances!” dished a source close to 30-year-old Hayden. “The one positive thing is Zach certainly does not have the violent temper of Brian.

“Those close to Hayden are not going to pretend to understand or condone it.”

The former “Heroes” cutie’s behavior began ringing alarm bells last year when she was spotted boozing it up with Brian, 30, at bars and clubs around Hollywood.