Stars monetize fan VIP experiences with Dua Lipa charging £1,800

THEY say don’t meet your hero – especially when you’re paying for it.

Yesterday we told Wayne Rooney how charge fans £450 for VIP referrals.

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Ticket price includes a meet and greet event with Derby County manager at a Manchester hotel, an autographed shirt, free drinks, three course dinner, souvenir photo and high end chair to hear him talk.

But angry fans didn’t get the expensive ticket, with one saying: “Not for that price.”

He’s not the only celebrity offering VIP packages to their fans – and some are better value than others.

From Dua Lipa to Gemma Collins, Katy Docherty introduces the celebrity meet and greet tournament.

Dua Lipa – £1,842

Dua’s TICKET doesn’t come cheap – but the pop star definitely has a lot to offer to be her VIP Future nostalgic tour Parcel.

Fans pay to be invited to a pre-show “house party” held at the concert venue.

This package includes a dance lesson from a professional choreographer, access to team glam and a group photo with The 26-year-old star herself.

Paying customers even get the chance to dance with singer Levitating, but only if they enter – and win – a contest beforehand.

Justin Bieber – £900

JUSTIN’s meet and greet deals for his World Tour come with the promise of “memories that last a lifetime”.

But you should remember that the experience of meeting the Baby singer comes with one big caveat.

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The experience pays for a behind-the-scenes tour and a photo with his heart.

However, if you’re alone, you’ll need to take a picture with three other random people as Justin won’t take a 1-1 photo.

Arnold Schwarzenegger – £745

THE TERMINATOR star will return… at Birmingham’s NEC in September.

And you can spend almost a fortune to meet him and do a 60-minute Q&A session.

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But fans paying for a premium autographed photo needn’t worry about bringing their own biro – as the snapshot will be signed in gold ink.

If that wasn’t thoughtful enough, the painting is even framed – saving you a trip to the shops.

Alicia Keys – £628

Fans of the singer THE Fallin’ will be delighted to know that for more than £600 they will be able to admire the star’s collection of memorabilia.

Of course the package includes a photo with the woman herself but the stuntmen will also get the chance to pose in front of one Alicia key– themed backdrops before the show.

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If that wasn’t enough to keep them satisfied, there was also a photo booth with unidentified props for them to enjoy.

Then, when you get home, you can update your knowledge of Alicia Keys with a signed copy of her autobiography.

Steps – £375

STEPS . reunion tour meet and greet deals – aka the Step’Tacular Upgrade Pack – is what you can expect from the band.

For your money, you get a meet and greet experience, an exclusive Q&A session, and a signed program from teenyboppers.

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But the cherry on top for fans may well be the knowledge that they’ll also receive a collectible STEPS lanyard.

Blue – £349

This year’s BLUE Hearts and Souls tour offers fans the chance to take pictures alongside luxury dream boats on a DSLR or iPhone camera.

But not just any old Apple phone – or Nokia forbids it – you’ll just end up with a “premium iPhone”.

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In the terms and conditions, the organizers indicate that if Covid rebuilds its ugly head, the strap will be protected with an “anti-virus perspex screen” while you take pictures.

Ronan Keating – £240

LIFE is a roller coaster ride and so is booking for a meet and greet experience Boyzone singer tour.

Although it was called the Twenty Twenty Tour, the concert date was actually 2022 – but has since been postponed.

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If all that isn’t confusing enough, a VIP package will cost you £240 – on top of your original ticket, which costs £45.

Ronan’s good fortune, however, is that he’s hosting a professional photo session with fans after the chat, along with a vague-sounding “commodity”.
All very mysterious.

Gary Neville – £150

FANS can pay to have their picture taken with their favorite Manchester United team before a face-to-face interview.

The sold-out event His Evening with Gary Neville at a Northampton hotel offers a lavish “platinum superstar” package.

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As an added bonus, Gary, 46, will sign absolutely anything you bring home as part of the deal.

Anything you say?

Well, it looks like the former England full-back, who is now a co-owner of League Two club Salford City, has attracted attention for signing the “pictures”.

So don’t even think about bringing your Monets and Caravaggios.

Gemma Collins – £115

The former THE Towie star will be doing a one-woman show in April and is offering fans the chance to get up close and personal with her before the curtain ends.

The “Ultimate Divaship Package” at GC’s Big Night Out promises “an intimate pre-screening VIP experience with The GC itself.”

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Quite how intimate remains to be seen.

But you’ll be able to remember the event with an A5 autographed picture with Gemma, 40.

And you can take it with you in your GC tote bag.

Paw Patrol – £68

IF any parent is wondering how their toddler can watch more Paw Patrol cartoons, the live show is the answer.

The canine rivals for Peppa Pig’s dominance will be touring their show, Race To The Rescue, around the UK this year.

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With the provision of VIP (Very Important Pup) seating, you can even get closer to rescue superheroes.

And after the show, your kids can take pictures with the giant, costumed creatures as well as protagonist Ryder.

Ricky Hatton – £60

FORMER boxing champion Ricky, 43, offers fans the chance to buy 30 minutes of his time ahead of a live event in Northampton.

Boxing enthusiasts will also get the best seats for his Q&A event as well as professional 6x9in photos.

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The photos will be printed overnight, but the tech-minded can also download snapshots of them from the event’s Facebook page.

Shaun Ryder – £50

The VIP experience from the manager of Happy Mondays allows fans to take pictures with the Madchester logo.

The eccentric singer, now a UFO hunter, is touring the country doing an “Evening With…” interview.

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The Pricier ticket also promises a Q&A session with Shaun, 59, who once claimed Cycling cures his heroin and cocaine addiction.

But don’t expect a deep and meaningful conversation – you’re only allocated one question.

Probably as a damage control precaution.