From Russia with love: 'Mayor of Stafford' seeks Soviet beauty
He made his name masquerading as the Mayor of Stafford, creating international headlines and even bringing in more than £1,000 for charity in the process.
Now comedian James Billington is on a new mission – to track down his phony Russian bride.
When the Stafford-born funnyman received a suspect scam email purporting to be from blonde bombshell Olga, he decided to start a conversation.
He was sent photographs, videos, and a voice a message from the Russian beauty.
And it did not take Olga long to confess her 'love' for James and agree to marry him.
Then she requested he send her money to pay for a flight over the UK.
Smelling a rat, James has now decided to fundraise to travel to Vologda in Russia himself to track down his Russian lover.
In a YouTube video he says: "A few weeks ago I received a junk email from a Russian woman called Olga.
"She was looking for love and it seemed rude not to reply to her, so I did.
"Since then we have been conversing most days. I have received photos from her, a video where she is blowing me a kiss, and even a voice message too."
The email sent to James read: "Good Day :) want to see me? It's Olga :) I'm from Russian Federation. I am very righteous mistress and seeking superb man :) hope you are interested ;) reply me. I can send you photos :) have a good time."
James added: "She is so in love with me she wants to come and visit me 'in my country'.
"However she wants me to pay for the flight – I know, I didn't see it coming either.
"So I thought why not set up a crowdfunder project to get her here, but then I realised she would just take the money, and I'd be stuck at the airport waiting for her like a lemon.
"So I am asking for funds to send me to Vologda to hunt down my Russian princess."
James caused a media storm in early 2014 in the Express & Star when he was purporting to be the Mayor of Stafford.
Using a Twitter account @mayorofstafford residents and businesses were tricked into thinking he was the real mayor. He even conducted a fake opening of Alton Towers where a 'mayoral chain' and masqueraded as the mayor in the town at a number of events handing out 'Mayor of Stafford' mugs and badges.
His antics were met with fury by bosses at Stafford Borough Council who unsuccessfully demanded Twitter de-activate the account.
And he provoked anger after insulting civic leaders in Shrewsbury. The hoax first came to light after the fake mayor tweeted: "Sharing a meeting with the Mayor of Shrewsbury today. Never liked him. Reminds me of one of the bad guys from Superman 2."
But not only did this provoke a complaint from the Shropshire Council, it also saw a backlash online.
At the time, the then-mayor Councillor Angela Loughran said: "Nobody minds a bit of fun on social media but it is unacceptable that this person is purporting to be the mayor of Stafford and making disparaging remarks about another mayor."
The story made international news, featuring on TV channels in America. After gaining international fame, Mr Billington's mayor Twitter account soared to more than 1,000 followers.
He later raised more than £1,000 for Katharine House Hospice by walking from Nottingham to Stafford.
He is now trying to raise £1,000 to fund his trip to Russia and track down Olga. But so far he's managed a paltry tenner.
What could go wrong?
Last year there were 3,363 reported cases of dating fraud, up two per cent on the previous year. The sums lost totalled £24 million, according to police figures.
Fraudsters create realistic profiles made up of stolen photographs and fake details before speaking to a target for a number of weeks. Once they've gained their victim's trust, they ask for money for a range of often emotive reasons.
You can sponsor Mr Billington at www.crowdfunder.co.uk/find-my-secret-russian-princess-olga
