Move over Barbie, you dumb babe, you always were just so straight. Forget Action Man, butch in all that combat gear but wouldn't be seen dead in tight leather trousers, writes Reg Little.

It's time to make way for Billy, the world's first "out and proud" gay doll, who is arriving in this country from New York in good time for Christmas.

He ripples with muscles, has the kind of looks that Julian Clary would die for and a wardrobe to make Elton John and even the Village People blush.

He comes as Billy the Cop - very hunky in police hat and boots - a cowboy and a sailor, or simply as the fun-loving San Francisco Billy.

But while his makers claim Billy is a gay icon in the United States, early indications suggest he may not be slipping into too many Christmas stockings over here. The problem is that the £39.99 gay doll, available as a blonde or brunette and standing 13in tall, may be just a little too big for his black leather trousers.

John McKitterick, one of Billy's original creators, told the Oxford Mail: "He is not really suitable for anyone under the age of 21. Let's say he is anatomically complete and not suitable for children."

Mark Goodall, of Thame's Pied Pedaller toyshop, was appalled at the thought of Billy getting anywhere near Barbie's nice boyfriend Ken in his shop.

"This is political correctness gone mad," said Mr Goodall, managing director of the traditional store. "It might sell in San Francisco and Sydney but I can't see it going down very well in Thame and middle England."

And he added it was important the doll should not fall into the hands of young children. But Barbara Collins, of the Arts Desire shop in Thame, believed Billy had a future in Oxfordshire. She said: "We would certainly consider selling it here. I can imagine girls buying it for gay friends or just as a joke."

Mr McKitterick said he hoped Billy would find an outlet in stores such as Forbidden Planet, as well as book stores and novelty shops. He believed it might eventually be on sale in Virgin and Waterstone's, although both shops in Oxford strongly denied having any plans to stock Billy.

Mr McKitterick said: "In America Billy is up there along with Elton John and kd lang as a gay icon. In tables of the most influential gay people, he always figures in the top ten."

The doll is manufactured by Totem International and Mr McKitterick said: "We see Billy as a fun object. He finds his way on to coffee tables. A lot of girls like to give him as a present to girlfriends."

Looking at Billy's latest fashion shoot, we just can't imagine why.

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