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
Kate Wright and Rio Ferdinand's cutest family moments - slider
1 of 21Kate and Rio looking ALL loved up
2 of 21The girls wearing matching outfits
3 of 21Kate shared this adorable photo on Insta
4 of 21Christmas Day with the kids
5 of 21We all love a girls trip to the hairdressers
6 of 21Halloween vibes
7 of 21Err, who screamed louder then?
8 of 21Couples that work out together...
9 of 21Kate and Rio's family
10 of 21Kate and Rio's sister have been on holiday together
11 of 21Another family snap
12 of 21Valentine's Day
13 of 21Rio was with Kate Wright for her mum's birthday
14 of 21How sweet are these two?
15 of 21These two look photobooth ready
16 of 21N'aww
17 of 21They're both looking very glam for their date night
18 of 21How many balloon did Rio get on his birthday, ey?
19 of 21Matching PJs!
20 of 21This family holiday looks AMAZING
21 of 21It'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 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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