Ken doll gets a 'diverse' makeover and is now available in seven different skin tones

The figures are also available with nine different hairstyles including cornrows or a man bun, as well as a range of eye colours

Ken is now available an multiple body types and skin tones, not just the white, muscular, all-American physique with which he had become associated (Reuters)

Ken has been given a makeover and is now available in seven different skin tones as toy maker Mattel bids to modernise its products.

Mattel has released 15 new editions of Barbie’s boyfriend - all called Ken - in what the company has labelled its “most diverse line-up to date".

There are two new "broad" and "slim" body types and the figures are also available with nine different hairstyles including cornrows or a man bun, as well as a range of eye colours.

The relaunch of Ken comes after Mattel released a new Barbie range with “tall”, “curvy” and “petite” figures.

The company said sales of the line, known as Barbie Fashionistas, were registering "high double-digit growth" globally. The new Ken dolls have gone on sale in the UK priced at £9.99.

Mattel said it was “redefining what a Barbie or Ken doll looks like to this generation,"

"Evolving Ken was a natural evolution for the brand and allows girls to further personalise the role they want him to play in Barbie’s world," the company said.

Ken was introduced as Barbie's boyfriend in 1961 and has appeared in some 40 occupations as well as modelling the full range of fashions over the decades.

In his original incarnation, he sported moulded plastic hair in either blonde or brown and red swimming trunks and cork sandals.

Ken and Barbie ended an epic fifty year romance on Valentine's Day in 2004 before rekindling their relationship on Valentine's Day 2011.

Despite the initial success of the new Barbie range, Mattel announced in April that overall Barbie sales were down 13 per cent compared to a year ago - their second consecutive quarter of decline.