Mattel has announced the first ever UK duo of ‘Barbie Role Models’ – Hannah Waddingham and Juno Temple. Barbie is celebrating International Women’s Day this week by honouring powerful friendship duos whose strong bonds inspire and empower each other’s success, with one-of-a-kind dolls made in their likeness.
Hannah and June, best friends both on and off screen, are named Barbie UK Role Models as the brand celebrates the power of female friendship Hannah Waddingham and Juno first met on the award-winning hit show, Ted Lasso, and their enduring friendship both on and off screen is beloved by fans.
“To share this special moment with one of the most loving, supportive, endlessly championing women I have ever met is totally perfect”
Hannah Waddingham said: “Being named a ‘Barbie Role Model’ is an incredible, unexpected honour. My ever present inner 8-year-old self really can’t quite believe it!
“To share this special moment with one of the most loving, supportive, endlessly championing women I have ever met is totally perfect. Our friendship has been unswerving, real and totally right since the second we laid eyes on each other and continues to be the most wonderful gift on set, in this industry and most importantly, in real life.”
The Hannah doll wears a look inspired by Hannah’s red carpet look at the 2024 SAG Awards, where Hannah wore a shimmery red Tony Ward couture gown, and a cardboard clutch with artwork hand-drawn by her daughter.
Juno Temple said: “It’s honestly impossible for me to put into words just how much this means. Being named a Barbie Role Model is so incredibly special. Through my career, I’ve been lucky enough to help tell the stories of so many amazing women, and now to have my own story, and my friendship with Hannah, acknowledged like this – It’s truly an honour and an iconic moment that I will forever hold preciously in my heart. I know I’m going to proud of our dolls forever.”
The Juno doll wears an homage to her 2024 Emmy’s Awards look – a vintage Roberto Cavalli orange dress, with a tiger shaped clutch inspired by her character in Fargo.
Krista Berger, Senior VP of Barbie and Global Head of Dolls at Mattel, said: “One of the greatest tools that a girl can have is the support and encouragement of her peers. As we approach International Women’s Day, Barbie is proud to honour legendary female friendship duos across different backgrounds, professions, and parts of the world. We know firsthand that friendships formed at a young age can help fuel social and professional growth, setting girls up for limitless possibilities.”
