Jacqueline Jossa’s £1m In The Style deal collapses as fashion firm teeters on brink of administration
Other celebs are also considering taking legal action against the failing company
EASTENDERS star Jacqueline Jossa has brought in lawyers over the collapse of a £1million fashion firm deal — as she chases tens of thousands of pounds allegedly owed to her.
She is considering suing online fashion retailer In The Style which is on the brink of going into administration.
The actress, who is set to feature in the BBC soap’s 40th anniversary show on Wednesday, is understood to have “banded together” with other celebrities who have also been left out-of-pocket.
It comes after it was revealed on Friday In The Style — popular for collaborations with celebs including Stacey Solomon and Dianne Buswell — has losses of over £11million, and is on the brink of collapse.
A source told The Sun on Sunday: “The company has been accused of failing to pay fees to talent for many months.
“Some threatened legal action and managed to get paid some of what they were owed.
“Others were trying to get money owed to them but now the fear is that if they do go into administration it will become extremely difficult.
“Jacqueline is owed tens of thousands of pounds, certainly a five figure sum, so she’s consulting lawyers over what steps to take.
“What’s infuriating is they’re still selling clothes online including from Jacqueline’s collection.”
Jacqueline, 32, signed as the face of the affordable fashion brand five years ago in a deal rumoured to be worth almost £1 million.
As part of the agreement, she earned commission based on the sale success of her collections.
Speaking at the time, she said she wanted to make clothes “for real women”, adding: “The mother, the hard worker and the glam queens too. I want to make ladies feel confident and strong, classy and sexy all at the same time.”
The I’m A Celeb winner, who has two daughters with husband Dan Osborne, said she had shopped with the e-retailer “for years” and gushed about how they “represent everything I believe in”.
Despite the pay row, Jacqueline’s current collection — which boasts over 350 “inclusive” dresses, tops and athleisure-wear in sizes 4 to 28 — is still available to buy online.
It comes after influencer and YouTuber Carys Whittaker, who has collaborated with In The Style for four years, said on Friday that the brand had been “purposely withholding payments” owed to her from her 2024 collection.
And in a separate row last year, Instagram star Perrie Sian is understood to have instructed lawyers to help her recover unpaid fees from the fashion retailer.
Among other big names who represent the brand is TV presenter Stacey Solomon. Fans can still buy 158 pieces designed by her.
And just two weeks ago, Strictly Come Dancing pro Dianne Buswell launched an activewear collection with the brand.
It is unclear which other celebrities are considering taking legal action against the company.
It comes after reports In The Style is on the brink of collapse less than two years after being forced into a fire sale.
The brand, once valued at over £100 million, was founded by Manchester-based entrepreneur Adam Frisby from his bedroom in 2013.
He was forced to sell the company for just £1 million in March 2023 to Baaj Capital.
Reports suggest insolvency practitioner FTS Recovery has now been lined up to act as administrator.
A source told Sky News a pre-pack insolvency involving Baaj Capital was a possible outcome from the process. Accounts for the firm show it has now amassed total losses of £11.358 million.
Frisby took to Instagram on Friday to slam In The Style for not having “the decency to inform their employees directly” about looming administration.
An insider told Fabulous earlier this week things “started to go downhill” after his 2023 departure.
The source said: “Some supplies were not being paid on time. Some celebrities and influencers who Adam had built great relationships with were also not paid on time.
“It is believed some have still not been paid and many ended their relationships with the brand.”
In The Style was approached for comment.
A spokesperson for Jacqueline Jossa declined to comment.
A source close to her said: “She hasn’t taken legal action yet but lawyers are involved.”
