Liz Taylor dolls launched

Doll of Elizabeth Taylor in the Hollywood epic Cleopatra

US toy giant Mattel is paying tribute to the life and career of screen legend Dame Elizabeth Taylor with the launch of a new collectable doll.

Elizabeth Taylor with friend Carole Bayer Sager last month

The $75 (£47) doll, which has just gone on sale in the US, is the first in a series of Elizabeth Taylor celebrity dolls.

It depicts Dame Elizabeth as Cleopatra in her smash hit 1963 film - the first authorised portrait doll of the 68-year-old actress in this role.

Mattel, which also makes Barbie dolls, says its carefully sculpted face reflects Taylor's classic beauty.

Particular attention is paid to her famous violet eyes, adorned with heavy kohl liner and glitter eye-shadow, as in the film.

"We are very excited to feature such an amazing doll with such remarkable resemblance to Miss Taylor in her role as Cleopatra,'' said Mattel's Mary Ellen Trimble.

She added: "We hope to reach fans of old and create fans of new with this stunning doll.''

Father of the Bride 'Elizabeth Taylor' doll

The next doll in the series, which will go on sale in July, will feature Dame Elizabeth in her role as Spencer Tracy's daughter in 1950's Father of the Bride.

Her spokesman Warren Cowan said: "She's very enthusiastic about this. The doll is very realistic."

The Cleopatra doll joins Lucille Ball, Elvis Presley and Audrey Hepburn in Mattel's Timeless Treasures line.

Oscar-winning Dame Elizabeth is due to return to the UK in May for the first time since she became a Dame in the New Year's Honours List.

She will be the star guest at a gala tribute concert at London's Royal Albert Hall on 26 May.

Stars of stage and screen from across the globe are expected to pay tribute to the double Oscar-winning actress at Elizabeth Taylor: A Celebration.