Barbara Walters has named Caitlyn Jenner her ‘most fascinating person of 2015’, hailing her as a ‘symbol of hope for the transgender community.’ Walter’s annual list has previously been topped by the likes of Nelson Mandela, Mother Teresa and Steve Jobs and is accompanied by an ABC special revealing her top 10 in full.

Caitlyn JennerBarbara Walters has named Caitlyn Jenner her ‘most fascinating person of 2015’.  

"Our choice for the most fascinating person of the year was once called the world's greatest athlete," Walters said. "Traditionally, that title was given to the man who won the Olympic decathlon. When Bruce Jenner won it in 1976, it was a huge accomplishment. It had everybody talking.”

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“But it was nothing like this. When Bruce Jenner became Caitlyn Jenner, there was a seismic shift in the gender universe.” Sharing a video package featuring highlights of Jenner from throughout the year, Walters explained that her “celebrity has helped launch a national discussion about transgender rights.”

“She has become a champion for the transgender community, raising awareness and advocating for acceptance. Famous and familiar, she raised awareness and acceptance of transgendered people.”

“Through her own transformation, Caitlyn Jenner transformed society this year, and that, for us, makes her the most fascinating person of 2015.” While Jenner herself didn't appear on the programme, they did show clips from both ‘Keeping Up With The Kardashians’ and ‘I Am Cait’.

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So far this year Jenner has also picked up The Arthur Ashe Courage Award at the ESPY Awards, Glamour’s Woman of the Year award and been named the year’s social media queen at the Teen Choice Awards. The rest of Walter’s top 10 list included Amy Schumer, Donald Trump, Tracy Morgan, Bernie Sanders, Bradley Cooper, Ronda Rousey, Donna Karan, Jeff Bezos and Misty Copeland.