This is going to make you go 'awwww'
They were the couple that none of saw coming – a former professional footballer and a TOWIE star – but Rio Ferdinand and Kate Wright have been proving everyone wrong with their adorable love story.
The celeb pair are thought to have met while out in Dubai back in December 2016 and the rumour mill went into overdrive until they FINALLY stepped out for a romantic lunch date in July.
Soon after going public, former England player Rio, 39, introduced his three kids – who he shares with late wife Rebecca Ellison – to his new GF and went on to share a sweet photo of all their feet.
More: Something to tell us, Rio Ferdinand?! Kate Wright drops a major wedding hint
Although their faces are not visible, the snap sees Lorenz, Tate and Tia show wearing their new Yeezy trainers while Kate and Rio are either side.
Not long after, the couple jetted away for a sun-kissed break along with Rio’s kids and it’s clear Kate was already a big part of the family.
Sharing snaps from their getaway, the star enjoyed some quality time with her beau’s sisters as they lapped up the sun on their getaway.
Since then, we’ve seen these two share a load of adorable couples snaps on social media and gush about each other on TV.
Just last month, former TOWIE star Kate opened about her relationship with Rio’s children after their mum Rebecca tragically lost her battle with cancer in 2015.
‘I think a really big part in our relationship working with the children is that everything we’ve done, we’ve included them in’, she told Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield.
‘So from the first date, to us moving in, him asking me to be his “girlfriend”, everything the kids were part of it so it feels like I wasn’t taking their dad away from them, it was like us becoming more of a family unit.’
She then added: ‘But Rebecca is their mum and you only have one mum. A mum is irreplaceable.’
Rio and late wife Rebecca in 2014 (Photo by McPix Ltd/REX/Shutterstock)
Rio also recently spoke out about their romance, confessing that having Kate around has been beneficial to the children.
‘My relationship with Kate has helped in that they have got a female in the house no’, he told Times magazine.
‘They run past me sometimes to go to her. I’ve had to go through a period of being very, very open, and men aren’t normally like that naturally.
‘Having that extra person in the house who is female, who has that softer touch, I think that is vitally important for the kids.’
Let’s take a look back at their adorable love story in pictures…
Kate Wright and Rio Ferdinand
Kate and Rio enjoyed the sunshine with a sweet picnic.
Credit: Instagram
Kate Wright and Rio Ferdinand
Kate described Rio as ‘My love 💙’ in this snap and our hearts have officially melted.
Kate Wright and Rio Ferdinand
As Kate supported her beau at the BAFTAs, they were the ultimate couples goals.
Credit: David Fisher/BAFTA/REX/Shutterst
Kate Wright and Rio Ferdinand
Sharing another series of sweet photos from their trip, these two looked more loved up than ever.
Kate Wright and Rio Ferdinand
Kate made jaws drop when she shared this photo from their couples trip. Okay so they’re very cute together, but just LOOK at Kate’s body.
Kate Wright and Rio Ferdinand
As the pair headed back to Dubai for ANOTHER holiday in March – they hung out with internet sensation Salt Bae.
Kate Wright and Rio Ferdinand
On a trip to Disneyland Paris in January the pair larked around with lightsabers.
Credit: Jon Furniss/REX/Shutterstock
Kate Wright and Rio Ferdinand
Kate also took to Instagram with her own message, writing: ‘2017…. the hardest but most rewarding year yet! Ups & downs but I have gained 4 of the most precious people 🤗….
‘Happy new year everyone, I hope your year is filled with health & happiness, keep your loved ones close’. AW!
Kate Wright and Rio Ferdinand
Rio shared this sweet snap to thank his girlfriend for being a support to the family.
The 27-year-old 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 😘’.
Kate Wright and Rio Ferdinand
On Christmas eve, their little family melted our hearts when they dressed in matching pjs.
Kate Wright and Rio Ferdinand
Cheeky Rio couldn’t help but check out his girlfriend’s BUM during a couples work out.
Credit: Instagram
Kate Wright and Rio Ferdinand
At the launch of Rio’s FIVE collection with Sports Direct, doting girlfriend Kate was there to support him.
Kate Wright and Rio Ferdinand
Kate showed her funny side when she poked fun at her boyfriend for taking his tea along on their chilly December walk.
Kate Wright and Rio Ferdinand
Date night in Manchester wasn’t complete without an obligatory couples photo.
Kate Wright and Rio Ferdinand
Rio and Kate even started wearing colour-coordinated outfits in December.
Kate Wright and Rio Ferdinand
And the pair had their own celebrations at Rio’s party which was attended by all his close friends and family.
Kate Wright and Rio Ferdinand
Essex babe Kate made Rio’s 39th birthday one to remember as she decorated the house with balloons and gifts.
Kate Wright and Rio Ferdinand
The celeb couple clearly know how to have a good time as they hit the rides at Thorpe Park in October 2017.
Kate Wright and Rio Ferdinand
Former football star Rio shared this adorable shot of Kate and his three children in their hotel corridor back in October 2017.
