Who was Rio Ferdinand’s late wife Rebecca Ellison: When did she die of cancer and how many children did they have?

10 February 2020, 12:14 | Updated: 10 February 2020, 12:16

Rebecca Ellison tragically died of cancer in 2015.

Rio Ferdinand found love again with Kate Wright following the tragic death of his late wife Rebecca Ellison who passed away in 2015, and the newlywed couple star in new documentary Rio and Kate: Becoming A Stepfamily, which airs on BBC One tonight.

So what do we know about Rio's relationship with Rebecca Ellison? How did she die? And how many children did they have?

Who was Rio Ferdinand's late wife Rebecca and when did they marry?

Rio Ferdinand's late was called Rebecca Ellison, and they married in 2009.

She worked as personal trainer and she met Rio while he was playing at West Ham in the 1990s.

Rebecca kept a very low profile throughout their relationship, and she later trained to become an accountant.

How did Rio Ferdinand's wife die?

Rebecca Ellison died cervical cancer in 2015 aged 34, following a year-long battle with the disease.

Rebecca's death prompted an outpouring of grief from the football world when Rio confirmed the news with a statement.

He said: "My soul mate slipped away last night.

“Rebecca, my wonderful wife, passed away peacefully after a short battle with cancer at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London.

“She was a fantastic loving mother to our three beautiful children. She will be missed as a wife, sister, aunt, daughter and granddaughter.“She will live on in our memory, as a guide and inspiration.”

Rio Ferdinand wife Rebecca's funeral

Rebecca Ellison was laid to rest in Kent in May 2015, and many of Rio's teammates attended the funeral including former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

It's believed the ceremony was a celebration of her life, and her three children were allowed to choose the music for the funeral.

Rio Ferdinand's children

Rio and Rebecca had three children – Tia, seven, Tate, 10, and 12 year old Lorenz.