Rio Ferdinand pays emotional tribute to his late wife at the BAFTAs

Rio Ferdinand

by Alex Ross |
Published on

Rio Ferdinand won an award at last night's BAFTA Awards

Rio Ferdinand made an emotional tribute to his late wife Rebecca Ellison at last night's TV BAFTAs as he accepted the award for Single Documentary.

The footballer was presented with the award for this documentary Rio Ferdinand: Being Mum and Dad which followed the former footballer looking after his children following the death of his wife Rebecca Ellison in 2015.

Holding back his tears as he accepted the award Rio said: "I did it for my three kids. It's been a crazy, whirlwind experience... I didn't do this for any other reason than my three kids.

"The worst thing to come out of this is I get quite emotional now."

Check out: Kate Wright and Rio Ferdinand's cutest family moments

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Kate Wright and Rio Ferdinand's cutest family moments - slider

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CREDIT: Instagram / xkatiewright

Kate and Rio looking ALL loved up

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CREDIT: Instagram / xkatiewright

The girls wearing matching outfits

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CREDIT: Instagram / xkatiewright

Kate shared this adorable photo on Insta

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CREDIT: Instagram / xkatiewright

Christmas Day with the kids

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CREDIT: Instagram / xkatiewright

We all love a girls trip to the hairdressers

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CREDIT: Instagram / xkatiewright

Halloween vibes

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CREDIT: Instagram / xkatiewright

Err, who screamed louder then?

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CREDIT: Instagram / xkatiewright

Couples that work out together...

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CREDIT: Instagram / xkatiewright

Kate and Rio's family

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CREDIT: Instagram / xkatiewright

Kate and Rio's sister have been on holiday together

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CREDIT: Instagram / xkatiewright

Another family snap

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CREDIT: Instagram / xkatiewright

Valentine's Day

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CREDIT: Instagram / mike_hassini

Rio was with Kate Wright for her mum's birthday

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CREDIT: Instagram / rioferdy5

How sweet are these two?

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CREDIT: Instagram / rioferdy5

These two look photobooth ready

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CREDIT: Instagram / rioferdy5

N'aww

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CREDIT: Instagram / rioferdy5

They're both looking very glam for their date night

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CREDIT: Instagram / rioferdy5

How many balloon did Rio get on his birthday, ey?

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CREDIT: Instagram / rioferdy5

Matching PJs!

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CREDIT: Instagram / rioferdy5

This family holiday looks AMAZING

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CREDIT: Instagram / rioferdy5

It's safe to say that Kate gets on with Rio's family

He went on to explain that the programme was "a snapshot of that time of sadness" in his life, but said it pulled him forward to a period of happiness in his life. Rio is now in a happy relationship with Kate Wright who has been very supportive to Rio and his children.

Rio Ferdinand
©Shutterstock

Rio went on to say: "Being a sportsman you are kind of built up as kind of an indestructible athlete and for people to see that vulnerability live and direct, I think was a huge part of that, making the documentary.

"All of the nans, granddads, the younger people, the middle aged people come up to me now in the streets and don't want to talk about football and that means we've done a good job with what we are doing."

Rio's acceptance speech also struck a chord with many viewers who praised him on social media.

The 39-year-old dad of three also confirmed that he planned to make more TV shows of a personal nature as doing this documentary had "sparked something within" him.

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Rio's current girlfriend Kate started dating the former Manchester United footballer last year and since taking on the role as a step-mum, the former TOWIE star made an extra effort this Mother's Day.

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