Watch: Lea’s tearful tribute

Lea Michele paid an emotional tribute to her late boyfriend and Glee co-star Cory Monteith while accepting a Teen Choice Award last night.

The singer-and-actress – making her first public appearance since Monteith’s death from a toxic combination of heroin and alcohol on 13 July – won the best comedy actress award, and dedicated her win to the late actor.

The star – who was wearing a gold necklace featuring the name "Cory" – said: "I wanted to dedicate this award to Cory, for all of you out there who loved and admired Cory as much as I did, I promise that with your love we’re gonna get through this together," she said.

"He was very special to me and also to the world. And we were very lucky to witness his incredible talent, handsome smile and his beautiful, beautiful heart.

"So whether you knew him personally or just as Finn Hudson, Cory reached out and became a part of all of our hearts – and that’s where he’ll stay forever."

Watch the emotional moment below:

Prior to the Teen Choice Awards, Michele enjoyed a "beautiful dinner" with friends including Glee creator Ryan Murphy.

The actress tweeted a picture of her place setting with the caption: "Beautiful dinner tonight at @MrRPMurphy’s house… I (love) him so much.."

Michele made her return to the Glee set last week, sharing a picture of herself in character as Rachel Berry, with the caption: "Feels so good to be home…"

Meanwhile, Glee actress Jane Lynch revealed that the show’s stars are all dealing with Monteith’s death in different ways.

She said: "Everybody’s doing differently. You know, it’s tough. Everybody had a relationship with him and we all express our grief in different ways so I’ll only speak for myself.

"I love him and I honour [him], and every day I go to work, I walk by his trailer and I go, ‘He should be in there’."