As Nigel Farage gets tricked into saying 'Up the Ra' - how much would you pay for a celeb Cameo shout-out?

Video platform allows public figures to connect with fans - with sometimes-hilarious results

Wed, 13 Oct, 2021 - 07:50

Jennifer Stevens

One business that saw a boom during the pandemic was Cameo - back in the headlines today as a video shout-out from British nationalist rabble-rouser Nigel Farage took a turn for the surreal, as he clearly read the words 'Up the Ra' into the camera, apparently for an Irish customer.

Nigel Farage proves he'd do anything for money pic.twitter.com/9lpqrAZjLP
— Armin Tamzarian (@keithryan28) October 10, 2021

The platform, where you pay a celebrity for a shout-out has seen huge growth since the start of 2020. You can pay anything from €2 to €2,000 to have a favourite celebrity send you a birthday message or a get well soon video. Really, the world is your oyster.

Lots of actors and sports stars make a great living from appearing at fan events during the year and so with everything shuttered during successive lockdowns, they found themselves with time on their hands. Less busy celebrities will answer your request within 24 hours while some need to be booked well in advance.

Jedward: Cameo shout-outs on the double from noughties pop stars

It’s not just all profiteering though, some well-known faces are using the platform for good and open their Cameo requests for a set period of time and donate all fees to charity. Last March, singer-songwriter Mandy Moore and actress Busy Philipps both joined Cameo to help rally donations for US-based children’s charities that were suffering a fall in funds due to the pandemic.

But it’s not only US stars on the site, there are plenty of Irish ones you can book too. You could have Jedward wish your sister good luck in her exams or have Mary Byrne belt out happy birthday to your mum.

Here are some of our favourites ranked by price – if you’re in need of a quick pick-me-up or a birthday gift for a friend you this might be just the thing you were after.