Gigi Hadid on Zayn Malik: 'We're each others' best friends'

Model Gigi Hadid and Zayn Malik's romance work because it's the first time both have dated someone who shares similar interests outside of work.

The catwalk beauty has been dating the former One Direction star since last year (15) following romances with singers Joe Jonas and Cody Simpson, and Zayn's broken engagement to Little Mix star Perrie Edwards.

In a new interview, Gigi seemingly made a subtle dig at the couple's exes by claiming this is the first relationship for them both of them in which they have anything in common besides their career.

When asked what attracted her to Zayn by Britain's ES magazine, she replied, "I would say his brain... For the first time, we are both in a relationship where we have very similar interests outside of work and that is really important. We cook a lot together and do art together and we're each others' best friends. We both feel we can talk about anything and learn a lot from one another."

The 21-year-old also spoke about what appeals to her about dating a British man, like her good pal Taylor Swift, who has enjoyed relationships with Tom Hiddleston and Zayn's former bandmate Harry Styles.

"Well I think we both like the British sense of charm," Gigi said, adding she was getting "super into" British foods such as Heinz baked beans and loves the curries Zayn cooks for her. "Don't worry - he's representing good for the British boys!" she joked.

Taylor has reportedly split from the Thor actor, and was spotted hanging out with Gigi and Zayn in New York on Monday (12Sep16), days after the singer supported Gigi at New York Fashion Week, when the model's collection with designer Tommy Hilfiger was unveiled.

Gigi told the publication she's good friends with celebrities because it's good to have people who understand her experiences with fame.

"We all teach and learn from one another.," she explained. "If you have a question about privacy, for example, everyone is super helpful about it."