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Strictly Come Dancing winner Rose Ayling-Ellis, from Hythe, unveils first Barbie doll with hearing aids

By: Brad Harper bharper@thekmgroup.co.uk

Published: 08:07, 16 August 2022

Updated: 15:46, 16 August 2022

Strictly Come Dancing winner Rose Ayling-Ellis has unveiled the first Barbie doll with hearing aids.

The EastEnders actress from Hythe, who won the glitterball trophy last year, features in the new Rose, Barbie and Friends campaign.

Strictly Come Dancing winner and EastEnders actress Rose Ayling-Ellis with the new Barbie doll. Picture: Mattel / Simon Webb

The 27-year-old has been pictured alongside a cast of diverse models who reflect the latest collection.

It also features the first Ken doll with vitiligo, a Barbie with a prosthetic limb and another with a wheelchair.

Rose, who has been deaf since birth, said: "It's so important for children to be able to see themselves represented in the toys they play with.

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"So I am thrilled that Mattel is releasing more dolls that encourage kids to celebrate and embrace their differences."

Mattel consulted with experts about how to accurately portray the hearing aids before creating the toy.

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Strictly Come Dancing winner Rose Ayling-Ellis and models James with vitiligo, Faisha with a prosthetic leg and Renee who is paraplegic with the new inclusive Barbie dolls. Picture: Mattel / Simon Webb

The Barbie dons a high ponytail and a floral mini-dress with pink boots.

Educational audiologist and hard of hearing advocate Dr Jen Richardson said: "I’m honoured to have worked with Mattel to create an accurate reflection of a doll with behind-the-ear hearing aids.

"As an educational audiologist with over 18 years of experience working in hard of hearing advocacy, it’s inspiring those who experience hard of hearing reflected in a doll.

"I'm beyond thrilled for my young patients to see and play with a doll who looks like them."

People will be able to purchase the Barbie Fashionistas line in the UK from Thursday.

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Earlier this year, Rose made her debut in the Cbeebies story corner and told the tale of a young bear and his dad on a journey to learn more about and manage their deafness.

In February, she was named the third most influential person in television by the Radio Times.

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