EastEnders star Rose Ayling-Ellis makes history as the first deaf woman to inspire a Barbie doll made in her likeness, following in the footsteps of Laverne Cox who became the first transgender woman to do so earlier this year.

The Strictly Come Dancing champion stars in the Rose, Barbie & Friends campaign 'teaming up with a stunning cast of diverse talent to pose in front of the cameras with dolls that reflect, and celebrate, their differences', including a Ken doll with vitiligo, a Fashionista doll with a prosthetic leg, and Barbie on a wheelchair, and commented '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!'.