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WATCH: Rio Ferdinand holds back tears as he pays tribute to his late wife at the BAFTAs

He won the award for single documentary

Rio Ferdinand said a lack of resource and opportunity can be dangerous for young people
Author: Anna Sky MagliolaPublished 14th May 2018
Last updated 14th May 2018

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. Rio 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 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."

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."

Watch Rio's acceptance speech below.

Rio's acceptance speech also struck a chord with many viewers who took to social media to express their thoughts saying it was an 'honest speech' and 'how important it was to talk about grief'.

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.

Other winners on the night included Britain's Got Talent, Love Island - which won its first ever BAFTA, and David Attenborough's Blue Planet II. Despite Ant McPartlin not attending the ceremony his co-host Declan Donnelly, along with co-stars Alesha Dixon and Amanda Holden picked up the Entertainment Programme for their show Britain's Got Talent.

See all some of the best looks from the red carpet at the TV BAFTAs 2018.

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WATCH: Rio Ferdinand holds back tears as he pays tribute to his late wife at the BAFTAs
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Gemma Arterton, with Eileen Pullen and Gwen Davi

Gemma Arterton brought activists Eileen Pullen and Gwen Davi as her plus ones. Eileen and Gwen went on strike at Ford's Dagenham plant in the Sixties, campaigning for equal pay

Rio's current girlfriend Kate started dating the former Manchester United footballer last year and made an extra effort with his children for Valentine's Day. The former TOWIE star bought Rio's children a number of gifts, wrapped in love heart paper and accompanied by massive Valentine's Day themed balloons.

Sharing the photo on Instagram, Kate wrote, 'HAPPY VALENTINES to the 3 poochies ❤️❤️❤️❤️' sic

See the full list of winners at this year's BAFTAs.