BBC Announces Rio Ferdinand Documentary

BBC One has announced details of a new documentary featuring former footballer Rio Ferdinand. In May 2015, the 38-year-old's wife, Rebecca, passed away from breast cancer. She was aged just 34.

In this 1x60' programme, Rio Ferdinand: Being Mum And Dad, will look at how bereaved parents try to come to terms with loss and build new lives for themselves and their children. Ferdinand will explore the issue of grief, including his own, as he realises that the only way parents can help their children to move on is for them to start rebuilding their own lives first.

Around 75 men under the age of 50 become widowers every day in the UK and the film offers viewers a broader insight into how young husbands and fathers cope with grief as Rio speaks to other bereaved men who share their own experiences. The film will also highlight the additional obstacles bereaved men have to overcome, such as the stigma they often face in displaying and discussing their emotions.

The documentary will air on BBC One this spring.

Alison Kirkham, Controller of Factual Commissioning and Events, said: "Rio Ferdinand has courageously allowed the cameras to follow him in this revealing and immensely personal documentary exploring the complexities of grief. This candid film will offer BBC One audiences an intimate exploration of the ways in which men similarly bereaved cope with their loss."

Image: BBC Media Centre.

www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre

(JP/LM)