play
Watch Newsround

Rose Ayling-Ellis: Strictly star unveils first Barbie with hearing aids

Last updated at 05:26
comments
View Comments (49)
Rose Ayling-Ellis holding barbie doll Simon Webb/Mattel/PA Wire

Rose Ayling-Ellis has teamed up with Barbie to release their first doll with hearing aids.

The EastEnders actor made history as the first deaf contestant to win Strictly Come Dancing in 2021.

This new Barbie doll has behind-the-ear hearing aids.

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."

To enjoy the CBBC Newsround website at its best you will need to have JavaScript turned on.
Rose told us what having the new doll means to her

Rose added: "When I was little, I would draw hearing aids on to my Barbie dolls to make them look like me."

Mattel, the company that make Barbie, are bringing out a new line of dolls which include the first Ken doll with vitiligo, one with a prosthetic limb and another with a wheelchair.

Rose Ayling-Ellis alongside a cast of diverse models who reflect the new line of Barbie dolls, which includes the first Ken doll with vitiligo, one with a prosthetic limb, one with hearing aids and another with a wheelchair. Simon Webb/Mattel/PA Wire
Rose Ayling-Ellis with a cast of diverse models who represent the new line of Barbie dolls

The company worked with experts to make sure the doll accurately portrayed the hearing aids.

Educational audiologist Dr Jen Richardson worked with the team and said: "It's inspiring those who experience hard of hearing reflected in a doll."

Mattel announced the new dolls were being made earlier this year. It's all part of a drive to make the dolls more inclusive and ensure children from lots of different backgrounds feel represented.

What do you think about Mattel making their Barbies more diverse?

Are there any you think might be missing from the dolls that are currently available? Let us know in the comments!

More like this

margot-robbie.

Barbie: First picture of Margot Robbie as the famous doll released

Barbie and Ken as they appear in Toy Story 3

Barbie at 60: How well do you really know the plastic fantastic doll?

Clara Amfo holding her doll.

Barbie: Clara Amfo recognised as role model with own doll

Your Comments

Join the conversation

49 comments

  • I want it

  • Wow, that's so cool! Well done Rose, children will be able to play with a toy now that was made all thanks to you! You are a star Rose, keep fighting on!

  • She is a star! I think it'll be amazing for children to be able to have a toy just like them. (. ❛ ᴗ ❛.)

  • Oh wow! Even though I don't use hearing aids I think this is a great idea! To me, barbies haven't had the amount of diversity that they should have! Now disabled children can finally play with toys they can relate with. :)

  • WOW so cool!

  • Aww that’s lovely! People need representation!

  • Brilliant that the barbie dolls are becoming more diverse! Everyone should be represented!!

  • I think that it is amazing that there is a barbie with hearing aids I have moderate-severe hearing loss and I wear hearing aids and there isn’t very many dolls or toys with hearing aids on them so it’s really good that there is now a barbie doll with hearing aids because it will help people who are deaf/hearing impaired feel more included! It’s also raising awareness for deaf/hearing impaired people!

  • Yes! I really needed to hear this as Barbie is incredible at making dolls with different conditions andd Barbie make them feel safe and happy!

  • I’m partially deaf and this is great news for me because it spreads the word of deaf people. There are people that think that hearing aids don’t look good on us but. Another thing is that most adverts don’t include deaf people. Does this mean that the product isn’t meant for us!?

  • What she has done might be great but, why isn't there also a black deaf Barbie?
    I know that there are other Barbie s with dark skin but why do they have to be shown with skin illnesses, cancer and other problems when it's not just black people who have these illnesses. Also it would be great for self esteem in all children if all races are shown with the same illnesses not just one.
    I know that other people might not agree with me but this is my opinion.
    To who ever is reading this have a great day. 😊

    • PurpleMonster12 replied:
      thats so true!!! barbie need to improve on their body types instead of just having a thin white barbie. i know this isnt true for some barbies but many are just encouraging eating disorders or body dismorphia in young children

  • All the dolls are amazing

    • U21100253 replied:
      What are you trying to say? Not in a mean way but I'm curious...

  • With it being the 21st century you would've thought this would've been made ages ago. They should do more to make kids feel included. They should do different body sized ones. These dolls come really thin and it could have a negative impact on a child's mental health (primarily tweens and teens) even adults too. They should definitely do lgbt ones! I'm lesbian and would love too see lgbt ones. They should have their corresponding flag and dress in the colours! Oh and not stereotyping. Mostly girls wear pink and dresses or 'girly' clothing and boys wear blue. I want to see a boy in a dress👏

    • AIG12 replied:
      Maybe the children that play with the dolls aren’t ready to learn about lgbt or their parents don’t agree with them learning about it at that age.

  • Well done Rose, you are so inspirational!

    • U21100253 replied:
      She is my hero!!

  • I think it’s really nice that they are making new barbies but next I think they should make a Barbie with a hijab

    • This comment was removed because it broke the rules. Explain

  • Well done Rose! What you have achieved is amazing! You have inspired so many young children. You have showed us that being deaf doesn't change who you are and it can't stop you from doing anything!
    Have a great day!

    [Edited By Moderator]

  • Wow! When are they going to have glasses? But for now, that's great to be diffrent!

    🐯SST🐯
    ✨ Autistic ✨
    📺 Huge TNS/BP superfan!📺

    • Tennisgirl replied:
      I've got a Chelsea and Ken doll with glasses, but not a Barbie. Xx

  • That is so nice for a barbie doll to finally have a hearing aid and others

    [Edited By Moderator]

  • That's amazing!

  • I love Rose
    She is the best dancer ever to be on strictly

    [Edited By Moderator]

Top Stories

back to school on a chalkboard

Classes start again in Scottish schools

comments
12
lightning

Why do thunderstorms happen after hot weather?

comments
2
Adult hippo and baby hippo in the water

Zoos enjoy bumper summer of babies!

comments
1
Newsround Home