MALCOLM’S IN THE MIDDLE — OF A HEARTACHE!

Frankie Muniz, who stars on “Malcolm in the Middle,” flipped for 14-year-old “Lizzy McGuire” cutie Hilary Duff after a few dates. But her mom snipped the budding romance, saying Hilary’s too young for a boyfriend. Frankie was crushed, then angered when he found out Hilary, his co-star in the upcoming movie “Agent Cody Banks,” is actually sharing top billing! Frankie freaked — but execs soothed the 16-year-old with a $100,000 plus Lotus sports car. (One catch: Frankie needs to learn how to drive a stick shift!)