A former Brookside actor has been jailed for 8.5 years at Sheffield Crown Court after running a £13.6 million fraud operation that tricked thousands of aspiring models. HOW THE SCAM WORKED Philip Foster, 49, who played Christian Wright in the Liverpool soap, ran fake modelling agencies across Sheffield, London, Manchester, Leeds, Bristol, Coventry, and Nottingham. Victims responded to social media ads for modelling jobs. They attended a "free" photoshoot, told they had potential. Pressured into paying thousands for a portfolio, falsely promised agency interest. Some took out payday loans or credit deals from the fraudsters. Instead, they received low-quality photos and no real job opportunities. VICTIMS LEFT DEVASTATED Over 6,000 people were scammed, with some borrowing money believing they were investing in their children's futures. Many were left financially ruined and emotionally distressed. Foster ran the scam from Marbella, Spain, laundering millions through UK bank accounts before sending it abroad. A six-year investigation by National Trading Standards exposed the operation. SENTENCING AT SHEFFIELD CROWN COURT Alongside Foster, eight others were sentenced: Michael Foster, 27 - 3.5 years (failed to appear, warrant issued). Jamie Peters, 52 - 24-month suspended sentence. Lisa Foster, 42 - 18-month suspended sente Emily Newall, 29 - 10-month suspended sentence. Atif Qadar, 44 - 12-month suspended sentence. Reply

After submitting my son's photos to New Look Talent I had a call from the agent who offered the opportunity to attend TS studios to design a portfolio for him. I was slightly dubious at first after reading some of the reviews, but decided to book. We attended the studio and the team were very professional and made us feel at ease straight away. They were busy but Nikita still made the time to interact with everyone in attendance. My son took advice from the makeup artist and hairdresser on the day and spent the next couple of hours with a designated photographer who guided him through which clothes would suit him and how to pose. Having never been involved in anything of this nature, the results where fantastic. We decided to go for the package that allowed us to receive all the photographs taken on the day, which have been excellent for posting on a professional Instagram page and Tiktok. When we got home and uploaded the USB all images weren't present, this was a genuine error and was rectified as soon as the office opened on Monday. Customer services rep Katie was very professional and dealt with my issue in a speedy manner. TS studios is a good service if you are looking for the experience of what a professional photo shoot is like with hairdressers, make up artists and photographers, especially for someone who has never had experience in the world of modeling, we were happy to pay the prices for the photographs, as it also includes the experience, which is priceless for someone starting out. My one suggestion would be that potential customers should be given some time to consider the package they wish to purchase, as it's a lot of money to commit too. Even if it's only 24 hrs, the hard sell just taints the experience a little, my husband was reluctant to purchase the package due to what he called the "hard sell" and "feeling pressured". Subsequently we did, and I believe we would have still done so, after deliberating on what package we felt would meet our sons needs, without the pressure of having to choose before leaving the studio. The hard sell just gives the wrong impression. Although we do appreciate the expense of running the studio and paying the professionals,

It was lovely and amazing experience They were lovely people and very nice They make me become a modelling Am so happy 😊.

My experience with TS Studios has been amazing!! Everyone was super friendly and helpful, I can tell they worked really hard to get people like me feel comfortable especially where I came from, having a physical disability and learning difficulties and dyslexia has been really challenging over the years! I’m definitely not camera shy because I do bodybuilding and competed in a Mr Universe competition last year and became Mr Universe in a disability class so I know how to be professional with things and for sure I am a cheeky lovely guy so if my story inspires others to do something more than go and get it! So I wanna say thank you to Kim and Kirsten and also everyone who has been in the building today biggest supporters these guys are! ☺️🙏🏾

My autistic 4 year old had photos done here, staff were really friendly and professional.

They was very helpful, and guided me throughout the entire process

The team was amazing. Though it was a busy day, they managed to handle the shoot for everyone in a very orderly manner. Nikita was very nice and polite and put me through every step. From the make up to the photo shoot was a great experience for me.

Amazing team, follow up is great and they are very organized. They were realistic with the waiting time. Nikita was such a fabulous host and made sure we were looked after. Very professional photography and made my sister feel so comfortable.

So I was dubious seeing TS on my Facebook feed. Had a really informative conversation after researching them, to see totally legit company. Today here I am the most wonderful team. Such welcoming easy going friendly atmosphere!! I never knew my hair and make up could look so stunning!! Totally blown away. Beyond happy. Great photographer too. Felt very relaxed and in good hands. Grew up with a photographer faster so have modelled lots, but been a while. So totally recommend coming even just for the experience. Soul lifting!! Thank you all 😊

Such a fun shoot!! Lovely stuff. Very quick and efficient