Former footballer Rio Ferdinand won a BAFTA for his documentary Being Mum and Dad.
The documentary follows his grief after the passing of his wife, Rebecca Ellison, who lost her battle with cancer in 2015.
Rio and 34-year-old Rebecca had three children together, and within the film, the 39-year-old meets other parents who have suffered similar losses and gives a raw, honest account of his own grief.
In his acceptance speech, his motivation behind the documentary came clear, a tearful Rio said:
"It’s been quite a whirlwind experience, I didn’t do this for any other reason than my kids. I get quite emotional now. It’s allowed me to show vulnerability, which people aren’t used to. As a sportsman, you’re built up to be an indestructible sportsman."
He continued to explain how filming the experience aided him in the healing process:
"This has truly been worthwhile because it’s given people a voice. That documentary was like a snapshot of that time of sadness, and it has played a part in propelling me forward into a period of happiness. my kids are happy, I have a beautiful girlfriend and we’re making steps in the right direction."
His heart-warming emotional speech had a lot of the audience in tears, along with many viewers at home as they took to Twitter to express their feelings.
Wonderful acceptance speech by Rio Ferdinand on winning his BAFTA TV award - ‘Being Mum & Dad’ - very warm, generous, heartfelt & genuine!
— David Buik (@truemagic68) May 13, 2018
I really enjoyed the documentary @rioferdy5 did so honest and real so glad he won #BAFTA
— Mrs Lizzie Jones (@LizzieJonesuk) May 13, 2018
I’ve only just caught up with the rest of the @BAFTA evening & goodness me, @rioferdy5 speaks with such beautiful honesty about grief, loss,
— George Rainsford (@georgerainsford) May 15, 2018
hope and family and I have the utmost respect for him. #BAFTAs2018 #BAFTATV
