Actor Harrison Ford has said the relationship between Star Wars' Han Solo and Chewbacca is like that of "an old married couple".

The 73-year-old, who will reprise his role as the hero in the upcoming Star Wars: The Force Awakens, said reuniting with Peter Mayhew, who plays the Wookiee, after 32 years, was "warm and fuzzy".

Ford told Empire magazine about Han and Chewie's friendship, saying: "They were very much like an old married couple to start with. I think people will find them very much the same as ever."

The pair enjoyed a long-awaited reunion on set, more than 30 years after 1983's Star Wars Episode VI: Return Of The Jedi.

Mayhew said: "I was sitting in my trailer. There was a knock at the door and someone shouted: 'Where's that walking carpet?' It was Harrison. He came in, gave me a big hug and said: 'Welcome Back'.

"We still have the same bond, we look after each other. We are like a married couple! Especially when we're in the cockpit together. I like it."

Ford added: "It was as warm, as fuzzy as you might imagine. It was great to see old friends."

Girls star Adam Driver, who portrays Darth Vader's disciple Kylo Ren, admitted showing his character's personality was a challenge, particularly from behind a black-and-gold helmet.

He said: "Playing someone who's masked, your body plays such a role in what you're trying to play. What was so powerful in the original trilogy is that even though (Darth Vader) was behind a mask, you could always feel (him) thinking."

The full interviews appear in this month's Star Wars: The Force Awakens collector's issues of Empire magazine, which are on sale now.