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Kate Wright reveals how one 'upsetting' experience with her own stepmother shaped her relationship with Rio Ferdinand's children

Kate is a devoted stepmum to boyfriend Rio's three children

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Fiona Ward
Acting Fashion and Beauty Editor
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Kate Wright has given a candid interview to the Daily Mail's You Magazine, opening up about one childhood experience that has influenced her approach to stepmotherhood with partner Rio Ferdinand's three children. "I've had a few stepmums but they weren't in my life majorly," she told the publication. "When I was nine I wasn't even invited to my dad's wedding; I was very upset. My experience has helped define how I want to treat Rio's kids and how I want them to see me."

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Rio and Kate have been dating for nearly two years

The former TOWIE star is now a devoted stepmother to Lorenz, 12, 10-year-old Tate and Tia, seven, after meeting Rio through mutual friends. She also explained how she was first introduced to the children, saying that it was a gradual process. "We've involved them in everything. First I visited with friends, then Rio said, 'I'd like to take Kate on a date, is that OK?'"

MORE: Kate Wright's ASOS summer co-ord makes us want to go on holiday immediately

She continued: "Whenever we did something together, like go to the pub and have a roast dinner, we'd come back and do something fun with the kids, so that every time I spent time with their dad they'd look forward to it."

READ MORE: Rio Ferdinand reveals the affectionate nickname he calls himself and Kate Wright

Since making their relationship public, Kate and Rio have delighted their fans with plenty of sweet Instagram photos and family updates. And earlier this year, 39-year-old Rio even paid an adorable public tribute to his girlfriend upon accepting a BAFTA TV award for his documentary, Rio Ferdinand: Being Mum and Dad. 

rio ferdinand children on instagram
Rio's three children Lorenz, Tate and Tia

"I didn't do this for any other reason other than my three kids… This documentary has propelled me forward into a period of happiness where my kids are happy I've got a beautiful girlfriend. Thank you, BBC, thank you very much," he said during his emotional acceptance speech. The sports star tragically lost his wife Rebecca in 2015 following a short battle with cancer - he and Kate will have been dating for two years in September.

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