Ashley Tisdale's HSM family

Ashley Tisdale says Vanessa Hudgens and Zac Efron are like "family" to her.

The actress starred alongside the former couple in the 'High School Musical' franchise and while Zac and Vanessa are no longer together, she insists they would always be there for each other.

She told People magazine: "We're always there for each other. I love being with them. They're so supportive. It's just like a bond. I can't explain it, but they're like a family I've grown up with.

"We're growing up and we're working on different projects, but we're all super supportive of each other. They're like my brothers and sisters."

Ashley has previously spoken out about her relationship with Zac, saying she's "amazed" they have never been attracted to each other.

She said: "I've never been attracted to Zac, and he's never been attracted to me - which is even more amazing!

"He always says I look hot, and I'm like, 'Aw, thanks Zac.' But really, it's more like siblings than a flirty relationship - he's seriously like my brother."