Rosie Huntington-Whiteley says her partner Jason Statham is her ''best mate''.

The 28-year-old model has been romancing the 47-year-old action star for almost five years and Rosie believes their relationship works well because they such close friends as well as lovers and he can always make her giggle.

In the new issue of Self magazine, Rosie said: ''We're best mates. He makes me laugh every day. I almost feel like I never had a proper boyfriend before!''

The catwalk superstar has made the move into acting in recent years and can next be seen in 'Mad Max: Fury Road'.

Rosie decided she wanted to become an actress because she wanted to challenge herself in a new professional field.

The blonde beauty said: ''I don't always want to be the face of everything. I think you have to take risks in life and scare yourself. You have to push beyond your comfort zone in order to grow.''

Speaking about the six-month location shoot for 'Mad Max' - which also stars Tom Hardy and Charlize Theron - she added: ''You have to be fit and healthy and strong. Your mind has to be strong, too. Not only for the stunts but also for the number of hours you're spending on-set.''