Rio Ferdinand payed tribute to his late wife Rebecca Ellison and thanked his beautiful girlfriend Kate Wright in an emotional acceptance speech at the BAFTAs.
Rio picked up the award for best documentary at last night’s ceremony following his touching documentary Rio Ferdinand: Being Mum and Dad, which focussed on dealing with grief and raising his three children after his wife died in 2015.
"It's been a crazy, whirlwind experience... I didn't do this for any other reason than my three kids,” he explained when picking up the award.
Rio continued: “The worst thing to come out of this is I get quite emotional now.
"It's allowed me to kind of speak and show vulnerability that people are probably not used to - being a sportsman, you're built up as an indestructible athlete."
The former footballer went on to explain the documentary helped him to find happiness again, as well as thanking his girlfriend Kate.
"I'm just pleased to say that this documentary has played a part in propelling me forward into a period of happiness in my life now where my kids are very happy.
"I've got a beautiful girlfriend now and we are making steps in the right direction."
GALLERY: Kate and Rio's relationship timeline
Kate and Rio relationship (slider)
1 of 17January 2017
Rumours first started to circulate about a possible romance between footballer Rio Ferdinand and TOWIE star Kate Wright back in January 2017, after Rio was spotted leaving her house in Essex.Kate had recently split from her co-star Dan Edgar, while Rio's wife Rebecca sadly passed away in 2015 after a short battle with cancer.
2 of 17July 2017
Kate and Rio officially went public with their relationship, after being spotted out for a romantic drink in London. Read more on that here.
3 of 17January 2018
Kate and Rio are the definition of couple goals as they pay a visit to Disneyland Paris.
4 of 17November 2017
In November 2017, Rio posted his first picture of him and Kate together with a festive post on Instagram.
5 of 17January 2018
To mark the end of 2017, Rio shared a post dedicated to Kate. Below the cute AF throwback snap he wrote: "To say 2017 has been a tough year would be a huge understatement. Some dark moments but brightness has been spread around me and mine by this one in many different forms. Christmas being just 1 example, all the thoughtful little details that make things that much better for all of us ud83dude18 little throwback pic"
6 of 17July 2017
Kate and Rio went Insta official when Rio shared an adorable family snap featuring Kate and his three kids wearing matching trainers.
7 of 17July 2017
Kate then shared a similar pic, confirming she's been spending time with Rio's family.
8 of 17September 2017
Kate Wright reveals she's quit showbiz and reality TV in order to focus on being a step-mum to Rio's three kids, Lorenz, Tate and Tia.Speaking to The Sun, she said: "I'm taking a step back from the public eye, I want to keep my life private as I lived my previous relationship on TOWIE, my priority right now is Rio and the family."
9 of 17October 2017
After months of keeping us waiting and teasing pictures on Instagram, Kate finally posted her and Rio's first couple picture. And it's hilarious.
10 of 17September 2017
Speculation starts to mount over Kate and Rio's living situation, as Kate posts a number of workout selfies from Rio's home gym.
11 of 17October 2017
Seemingly stepping up to her role as step-mum, Kate shared a (slightly terrifying) picture of Rio's kids dressed up for Halloween on Instagram.
12 of 17October 2017
In October, Kate and Rio enjoyed a romantic holiday together in Dubai.
13 of 17December 2017
After months of keeping their romance under wraps, the couple are now living the PDA life all over social media.
14 of 17August 2017
In August 2017, Rio shared a snap from his family holiday in Portugal featuring Kate bang in the middle. He captioned the photo: "Decent day with the fam ❤ufe0f "
15 of 17January 2017
Kate also took to Instagram to reflect on the last year, paying tribute to Rio and his family. She wrote: "2017.... the hardest but most rewarding year yet! Ups & downs but I have gained 4 of the most precious people ud83eudd17.... Happy new year everyone, I hope your year is filled with health & happiness, keep your loved ones close ❤ufe0f❤ufe0f "
16 of 17January 2018
Just when we thought Kate and Rio couldn't get any more adorable, Kate posts a super sweet snap wearing a matching outfit with Rio's daughter Tia. Our hearts!
17 of 17December 2017
Rio shared another family snap, revealing Kate was spending Christmas with him and his three children. And their matching PJs are TOO much.
Speaking on This Morning, Kate opened up about life at home with the kids and how their relationship has progressed in the time Kate and Rio have been together.
"At the beginning, I could never imagine the kids would talk about [the future with me],” she told Holly Willoughby and Philip Schofield.
"When I'd pick them up from school they'd say I was an aunt, then it turned to their dad's girlfriend and now they say I'm their step-mum.”
Kate then went on reveal the children have been asking when the couple will get married and have a baby of their own.