Strictly winner Rose unveils first Barbie doll with hearing aid
Mattel teamed up with EastEnders and Strictly star Rose Ayling-Ellis
Mattel has unveiled the first ever Barbie doll with a hearing aid. The company has partnered with EastEnders and Strictly star Rose Ayling-Ellis. The EastEnders actress, who won the dance competition in 2021, features in the Rose, Barbie & Friends campaign.
She is photographed alongside a cast of diverse models who reflect the new line of dolls, which includes the first Ken doll with vitiligo, one with a prosthetic limb and another with a wheelchair.
Ayling-Ellis, 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.
“When I was little, I would draw hearing aids on to 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.”
Mattel consulted with experts on the dolls in order to accurately portray the hearing aids.
Educational audiologist Dr Jen Richardson said she was “honoured” to work on the line.
“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.” she said.
Strictly Come Dancing 2022 line up
The contenders for Rose’s Strictly Come Dancing crown have been announced with lots of celebrities getting ready to dance it out, here’s who taking part:
Will Mellor
Known for: Actor
Will said: "I'm honestly so chuffed to be taking part in Strictly Come Dancing this year!
"Not going to lie, it's totally out of my comfort zone and I know it will be a huge challenge but that's what life is all about.
"I lost my dad in 2020 and from then I've just thought I've got to grab life - I've got to do things and create new memories. My mindset changed and that's the reason why I signed up for Strictly.
"This is also my mum's favourite show and she's had a really tough few years so I'm doing this is for her as well. Bring it on!"
Kym Marsh
Known for: Actress and singer
Kym said: "I've considered doing Strictly for years but the timings never worked out. I'm so delighted that this year they have! I'm a huge fan of the show and can't believe I'm going to go from watching at home in my pyjamas to actually dancing in front of the judges in a glittery dress, it's unreal!"
Richie Anderson
Known for: Radio presenter
Richie said: "This is a dream come true! I cannot wait to get in those sparkles and sequins and shimmy across the most famous dance floor in the world! Strictly is the ultimate feel good show, as soon as I hear that iconic theme tune it's just pure escapism. I'm going to have to cancel my legendary Strictly launch night kitchen party that I throw every year, I'm sure my friends and family will understand. It's also a massive honour to be part of an all-male dance partnership, it's so important we have that inclusion on such a huge show."
Kaye Adams
Known for: Loose Women star and broadcaster
Kaye said: "I said I wanted to make the last year of my fifties memorable and I can't think of a better way of doing it than showing the world my two left feet. Pray for me!"
Jayde Adams
Known for: Comedian
Jayde said: "Since I watched the first series in 2004, I feel like every step I've taken in my career over the last 11 years was to be on Strictly. I cannot begin to express the emotions I am feeling, this means so much to me and my family. I've always watched it, apart from a brief hiatus in 2011 as I was relentlessly gigging every weekend (to try and get on Strictly). I've been a massive fan of the show for years. I feel like I'm watching myself in a dream and I can't believe I've manifested this. Holding this in has been torture for me!"
Ellie Simmonds OBE
Known for: Paralympic swimmer and broadcaster
Ellie said: "Oh my gosh!! I'm literally bursting with excitement!! It's been soooo hard keeping this secret as I've wanted to tell everyone. I'm going on Strictly Come Dancing!! I'm a tad nervous too, well more than a tad… I'm absolutely petrified! To be asked to be part of the Strictly family is just so exciting and I cannot wait, it's going to so much fun. I'm counting down the minutes until it starts; learning to dance, meeting my partner and everyone else involved in the show. Plus wearing the sequins and all that, It's going to be a blast. I've been watching Strictly from as far back as I can remember; it's a traditional lead up to Christmas with my family and it's a genuine privilege to be part of it."
Tyler West
Known for: KISS FM UK presenter
Tyler said: "I am SO gassed to be joining the Strictly family! As I started writing this I already got cramp. It's going to be one crazy incredible journey which will no doubt be SO far outside my comfort zone. It's a show that means so much to me and my family and I can't wait to seriously shake a leg on that shiny dance floor… with a side of sequins."
Matt Goss
Known for: Bros singer
Matt said: I'm extremely nervous and excited, but I'm optimistic because I'm very supple from the knees down."
Ellie Taylor
Known for: Comedian, broadcaster, writer and actor
Ellie said: "Well, cover me in fake tan and roll me in sequins! I'm absolutely over the moon to be a part of Strictly 2022! I've watched the show for years so to be able to take to the dance floor is a dream come true, for both me and mum who is a Strictly super fan! At the moment I'm focusing on the excitement and glitter and choosing to ignore the fact that I have the dancing ability of a newly born giraffe. Bring it on!"
Molly Rainford
Known for: Singer and actress
Molly said: "I'm so excited to be part of Strictly Come Dancing, I've watched it for years and can't wait to meet the pros and the others taking part! I can't wait to learn the moves and get dancing!"
Tony Adams MBE
Known for: Former England and Arsenal footballer
Tony said: "To say I'm excited is an understatement - the lure of the sequins and the call of the salsa has me swapping my battered old football boots for a set of Strictly soft shoes. Am absolutely thrilled to be giving it my all on this year's 20th anniversary of Strictly Come Dancing. I can't wait to meet my partner - god help her - and start the dancing."
Fleur East
Known for: Singer and Hits Radio presenter
Fleur said: "I'm equally nervous and thrilled to be part of this year's Strictly line up. I'm excited to learn new skills and I want to soak up every moment of this magical experience. It's such an honour to be on the show after years of watching it with my Father who loved it so much. Unfortunately my Dad is no longer with us but I know he will be watching over the ballroom in spirit. I'm doing this to make him and my family proud and can't wait to get my dancing shoes on!"
Hamza Yassin
Known for: Wildlife cameraman and presenter
Hamza said: "I am absolutely over the moon to be joining Strictly 2022. Never in a million years did I think I'd be on such a cool show. I've been watching it for years and I can't believe I'll actually be there dancing live in front of the British public. My dance skills are currently at the level of '1970's disco vibe' but I'm ready to work hard and will be shaking it every time I get the chance – shake it 'til you make it!"
James Bye
Known for: Actor on EastEnders
James said: "I'm not known for my shimmy or my twinkle toes - in fact my kids regularly laugh at my dad dancing but it's an honour to be asked and I'm going to give it my best shot. There are some huge dance shoes to fill and it's truly exciting to follow in the footsteps of some amazing EastEnders talent. I'd love to do everyone proud."
Helen Skelton
Known for: TV and radio presenter
Helen said: "I'm really excited to get stuck into a fun adventure. My family and friends have always loved the show and can't wait for me to get started."