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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Entertainment
Charlotte Everett

Deaf Strictly champion Rose Ayling-Ellis unveils first ever Barbie with hearing aids

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

The EastEnders star, 27, who has been deaf since birth, proudly posed alongside the doll that has been named after her.

Beaming from ear-to-ear Rose held the doll called Rose, Barbie & Friends, as she celebrated the major milestone.

The EastEnders actress looked stunning as she wore a figure-hugging purple dress that featured an oversized collar.

She went for pink-hued makeup with a smoky eye along with a high ponytail that revealed her hearing air which mirrored the doll's hairstyle.

READ MORE: Strictly's Giovanni and Rose's special bond - dinner dates, tattoos and romance rumours

Strictly Come Dancing winner Rose Ayling-Ellis has unveiled the first ever Barbie with hearing aids (PA)

Rose learned BSL (British Sign Language) when she was young and says she is 'thrilled' with the campaign.

Talking about the new doll, she said: "It's so important for children to be able to see themselves represented in the toys they play with.

"When I was little, I would draw hearing aids onto my Barbie dolls to make them look like me, so I am thrilled that Mattel is releasing more dolls that encourage kids to celebrate and embrace their differences!"

Barbie have been creating a more diverse line of dolls in order to show a broader view of beauty.

This allows children to play with dolls that represent them more.

Other dolls the brand have brought out include Ken doll with vitiligo, new doll with a prosthetic limb and doll with a wheelchair.

The doll, which rocks a high ponytail to show off her hearing aids, is named after Rose (PA)

There has also been more choice of skin tones, eye colours, hair colours and textures, body types and disabilities.

Lisa McKnight, executive vice president and global head of Barbie and Dolls, Mattel, Inc. said: "The Barbie brand wholeheartedly believes in the power of representation.

"We are committed to continuing to introduce dolls featuring a range of skin tones, body types and disabilities to reflect the diversity kids see in the world around them.

"It's important for kids to see themselves reflected in product and to encourage play with dolls that don't resemble them to help them understand and celebrate the importance of inclusion."

Rose has publicised her aim to have sign language made into a registered language and given legal status in the UK.

Barbie have created more diverse dolls (PA)
Rose has raised awareness of the deaf community (PA)

Rose has risen to fame after being a regular face on EastEnders and being Strictly Come Dancing's first deaf contestant.

A source told The Mirror: "She is now in the frame for a gong for services to the deaf community, thanks to her ballroom triumph on the BBC ’s Strictly. Her performances – including one with a silent section – sent enrolments for sign-language courses soaring.

"Her success on Strictly shone a light on the deaf community in a way that surpassed everyone’s expectations.

"Not only did she raise awareness about the challenges deaf people face, she was a true inspiration for them – particularly young people. She really did break down boundaries."

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