BBC1 viewers were left heartbroken last night after Rio Ferdinand’s moving documentary about the loss of his wife Rebecca.

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During the 60-minute film Being Mum and Dad, the pundit and former England footballer met up with other men who had suffered a bereavement, as well as exploring his own grief, revealing how his wife's death from cancer in 2015 had been difficult to discuss with his three children Lorenz, 10, Tate, eight, and Tia, five.

My documentary Being Mum and Dad will be on @BBCOne tonight at 9pm… Thanks for all your messages & unconditional support! pic.twitter.com/UJA7Qi2Re9

— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) March 28, 2017

And those watching took to Twitter to praise the 38-year-old father for his openness…

Many were also touched by the message of hope the show gave to single parents in the same position.

And generally everyone thought that Rebecca would have been so proud of her husband.

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If you missed Being Mum And Dad, it’s now available to watch on iPlayer.

Authors

Thomas LingDigital editor, BBC Science Focus

Thomas is Digital editor at BBC Science Focus. Writing about everything from cosmology to anthropology, he specialises in the latest psychology, health and neuroscience discoveries. Thomas has a Masters degree (distinction) in Magazine Journalism from the University of Sheffield and has written for Men’s Health, Vice and Radio Times. He has been shortlisted as the New Digital Talent of the Year at the national magazine Professional Publishers Association (PPA) awards. Also working in academia, Thomas has lectured on the topic of journalism to undergraduate and postgraduate students at The University of Sheffield.

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