Barbie gets a granny

Barbie, the world’s most famous doll, is getting a set of grandparents, it was reported today.

Her new family members have streaks of grey hair and wear sensible clothes – a woollen jumper for grandad and a floral blouse for granny.

But while not sharing the improbable figure of their granddaughter, the mature additions to the Barbie family look slim and perky for their age.

The 11.5-inch dolls, who will be sold as a couple, have not been named, according to the New York Daily News.

They will hit US stores this autumn along with a new Baby Doc Barbie, who oversees the birth of her friend Midge’s second child.

The Happy Family Line includes a pregnant Midge, with a detachable swollen belly, her husband Alan and toddler Ryan.

Sales of Barbie rose by 6% last year despite an overall decline in the toy industry.

“Barbie is still hot, but it’s a challenge to keep her relevant,” said a spokeswoman for the doll’s makers Mattel.