Kate Mara

‘They’re an incredible family, so loving, connected and together. They’re functional.

It’s kind of an amazing surprise to know that stuff really exists. I come from a broken home... But to see parents who are together, who have raised four children, with no sign of splitting up, is a joy to watch.’

He says Mara has never vaunted her footballing heritage. ‘She doesn’t walk with a sense of privilege,’ he says. ‘She’s carved out a name for herself, just as her sister has. All of her siblings are successful in their own right. I really admire that.’