Modern Family’s Sofia Vergara in tears as cast gather for sitcom’s last ever series

SOFIA Vergara has paid an emotional tribute to her Modern Family co-stars.

The Colombian actress has played Gloria Maria Ramírez-Pritchett on the beloved sitcom for more than a decade and felt overwhelmed as the cast gathered for their last ever read-through.

Modern Family will begin airing its final series on 8 April in the US, so as the cast were handed their scripts for the concluding episodes, it’s no surprise that tears were shed.

Vergara took to social media to share a message laden with crying emojis, which no doubt will resonate with fans of the show.

“Our last table read,” the 47-year-old wrote to her 18.2 million Instagram followers.

“Sad because it’s ending, but so grateful and happy to have been able to be a part of this family,” she went on.

“It has been more than I ever dreamed of or deserved. Gracias my Modern Family #11years.”

Sofia posted pics of the teary assembled cast, which only served to set her followers off.

“I’m gonna BAWL when this show ends, I grew up with it and feel like I know the characters,” one fan replied.

“What am I gonna do without Gloria?!” a second exclaimed, alongside a trio of sad faces.

While a third gushed: “You should be so proud of your work, Modern Family will always be up there with the greats.”

Modern Family left audiences shocked earlier this year when it killed off a prominent character.

Viewers were heartbroken to discover that Frank, Phil’s father, had died, leaving the family in mourning.

Fortunately his final moments on the show were a beautiful tribute to his relationship with his son Phil (Ty Burrell).

Frank (Fred Willard) had sold his family store because there was no one to take over, after Phil chose a different career path.

With Phil now concerned his father was suffering from dementia, they had a heart-to-heart which saw him ask his father if he ever wished he had another child to take over the business.

“The answer is no, Phil, never,” said Frank, matter of fact as always.

“Because, well, you did take over the family business, didn’t you? Keeping life light, making it fun for everybody.”

Phil then spoke passionately about growing up with his father, to camera, before revealing their conversation was their last.

“When I was growing up, he was the cool dad,” Phil said.

“He was hip. He knew all the dances from Grease [and] he knew all the expressions. BFF: best friends forever, TMI: too much Information, BJ: blue jeans.

“We didn’t do much that day, but it might have been one of the best days I’ve ever had with my dad. I just didn’t know it would be the last.”

No doubt the final string of episodes will be just as emotional.