Francis Bourgeois: The Viral Train Guy Who’s Now Hosting The Grand Tour 

You see a guy on your phone screen exploding with pure joy as a massive locomotive roars past. He jumps, he cheers, he looks like he just won the lottery. That guy is Francis Bourgeois, and millions of people worldwide cannot get enough of his infectious energy. In 2026, this 25-year-old mechanical engineer and former TikTok sensation takes on an even bigger role as one of the new hosts of Amazon Prime Video’s rebooted The Grand Tour. But how did a quiet trainspotter from north-west London become a global superstar who models for Gucci, stars in his own space documentary, and writes bestselling books?

Francis Bourgeois turns a niche hobby into something that makes everyone smile. He proves you can stay true to what you love and build an incredible career. Moreover, his story shows how authenticity wins in the age of social media. Whether you love trains, cars, or just need a daily dose of happiness, Francis Bourgeois delivers. This article dives deep into his life, career, biggest moments, and what comes next. You will discover exactly why he captivates fans and why his journey matters more than ever.

Early Life: Growing Up Obsessed with Trains in London and Somerset

Francis Bourgeois enters the world as Luke Magnus Nicolson on 9 July 2000 in Harlesden, north-west London. His mum works for the National Health Service while his dad teaches photography. He grows up with one younger brother named Benjamin, and nobody Tom Skinner else in the family shares his future passion for railways. Yet something clicks early. Around age three in 2003, little Luke falls head over heels for wooden BRIO trains and Hot Wheels cars.

His parents notice right away. In 2004, when he turns four, the family visits the Peco factory at Pecorama in Devon. His grandmother gifts him a Hornby model railway set complete with a Pannier tank engine and old freight wagons. That present changes everything. He expands the collection for years, spending hours building tracks and dreaming about real locomotives.

The family moves to Frome in Somerset around 2007 when Francis turns seven. Fewer trains roll through the countryside, but he still finds ways to feed his obsession. He watches freight trains at nearby Whatley Quarry and listens to their horns from afar. You can imagine a young boy standing by the tracks, eyes wide, heart racing every time steel wheels thunder past. Francis later recalls those early days with pure fondness. Trains feel alive to him – powerful, predictable, yet full of personality.

No one pushes him toward engineering or railways. He discovers the love all on his own, and that pure passion sets the foundation for everything that follows. Transitioning from London’s busy stations to quiet Somerset fields teaches him patience and wonder. These childhood years shape the enthusiastic man fans adore today.

The Tough School Years: Hiding His Passion to Fit In

Life shifts dramatically when Francis starts secondary school in Somerset. At age 15 around 2015, peer pressure hits hard. Classmates tease him relentlessly for loving Freya Parks trains. School becomes a “hotbed for conformity,” as he later describes it. To blend in, he sells huge parts of his beloved Hornby collection. He trades model railways for BMX bikes, mountain biking, and skateboarding.

Francis feels miserable inside. He hides his true self for years just to avoid bullying. Many teenagers face similar pressure to ditch hobbies that seem “uncool.” Francis chooses the path most kids take – he conforms. But a brilliant Year 11 maths teacher named James Simpson spots his potential. The teacher pulls him aside and delivers a life-changing talk: “Luke, this is the defining point for you. If you don’t turn around now, you’re going to go down the wrong hole, and you’re not going to come back.”

Those words ignite something. Francis dives into algebra with headphones blasting electronic music. He crunches past papers every evening. Suddenly maths and physics click. He adds further maths and physics A-levels, which open the door to university. You see the turning point clearly here. A single supportive adult helps Francis rediscover discipline while he still buries his train love deep down. The struggle builds resilience that serves him well later when fame arrives.

University Life at Nottingham: Engineering Degree and Lockdown Spark

Francis heads to the University of Nottingham to study mechanical engineering. He dreams of working on real railways one day or even revitalising the network as a civil engineer. During university he lands placements at a car factory in Portsmouth and later at Rolls-Royce. The engineering knowledge deepens his understanding of how trains actually work – the physics of momentum, braking forces, and diesel engines.

Then COVID-19 lockdowns hit in 2020. Stuck at home in Somerset, Francis starts visiting Pot Lane overbridge in Berkley and returns to Willesden Junction in Mirra Andreeva London whenever possible. With extra time on his hands, he pulls out his old passion. He films short videos and shares them on TikTok under the name Francis Bourgeois. The alias comes from a visit to a Louise Bourgeois art exhibition at the Tate. He likes the French-sounding name and the artist’s work, plus he has always loved French trains. Using a fake name also protects his job applications at the time.

During those quiet lockdown months, something magical happens. Francis films himself reacting to passing trains with a GoPro strapped to his head. His genuine excitement explodes on camera. No scripts, no filters – just raw joy. University friends and strangers alike start watching. The algorithm notices, and views climb. Francis graduates but keeps the content coming. He even completes a final master’s module while building his online presence. His parents support the risky move into social media as long as he finishes his studies. That balance of education and passion pays off hugely.

The Explosive Rise on TikTok: How One Video Changed Everything

Francis Bourgeois launches his TikTok account in 2020 with silly fake celebrity interviews at first. He doctors clips of himself chatting with stars like Billie Eilish, Digga D, and Kylie Jenner over Instagram Live. Those early posts build a small following under 250,000 by May 2021. Then everything shifts in October 2021.

He posts a video at Brighton railway station reacting to a GB Class 73/9 locomotive nicknamed “Dick Mabbutt.” The clip racks up over 12 million views. Another video shows him falling out of his chair in excitement over a Class 377 train. That one hits 6 million views. Fans love the fisheye lens GoPro angle that puts his face right in the action. They adore his unscripted screams of delight, the way he jumps up and down, and his perfect train knowledge mixed with pure childlike wonder.

Suddenly the internet dubs him “the train guy.” ITV’s Christine McGuinness This Morning invites him on air with Josie Gibson in November 2021 to explain the phenomenon. Francis appears nervous but still beaming. Overnight, he becomes a national treasure. By May 2023 he crosses 2.9 million TikTok followers and 2.3 million on Instagram. Today those numbers sit at 3.3 million on TikTok and millions more across platforms. His YouTube channel grows to 185,000 subscribers with 28.2 million total views.

Francis registers Francis Bourgeois Limited in November 2021 to manage the business side. He keeps creating because he genuinely wants to make people happy. During tough pandemic days, his videos give viewers a much-needed smile. You feel the shift – from hiding his hobby in school to celebrating it publicly and helping others do the same.

What Makes Francis Bourgeois Videos So Addictive and Relatable

Francis films in a unique style that sets him apart. He straps a fisheye GoPro in front of his face while scooting or standing trackside. The wide-angle lens captures every emotion up close. When a train approaches, you hear the horn first, then see his eyes light up. He explains technical details like engine classes, liveries, and top speeds, but he never sounds like a boring expert. Instead, he squeals with excitement like a kid on Christmas morning.

Fans connect because Francis stays 100 percent authentic. He cries when favourite locomotives head to the scrapyard. He compares the sound of a Class 455 to the feeling of his first date. He mixes high fashion outfits with muddy trackside adventures. Moreover, his content feels wholesome in a cynical online world. No drama, no negativity – just joy and knowledge. Parents share videos with kids. Adults watch to unwind after work. Even people who know nothing about trains find themselves smiling.

Francis also incorporates scootering into many clips. He zips around on a scooter while narrating, adding fun movement. Electronic music plays in the background sometimes, linking his two loves. The combination of engineering facts, personal stories, and Princess Eugenie explosive reactions keeps viewers coming back. You never know what train or emotion will appear next, and that unpredictability hooks millions.

Celebrity Collaborations: From Joe Jonas to Thierry Henry and Beyond

Fame brings amazing opportunities. In January 2022, pop star Joe Jonas messages Francis directly. The pair meet for a picnic and trainspotting session in rural Milton Keynes. Francis later says Joe simply wanted to experience pure joy. The video goes viral, and more stars follow.

Thierry Henry joins him for a Puma advert. Rosalía appears in posts. Singer Sam Fender invites Francis onstage at Wembley for a tailwhip scooter trick. Rapper Aitch shoots Spotify promos together. Louis Theroux sits down for the first episode of Francis’s own YouTube series Scooting & Chatting. Annie Mac follows in episode two. Even footballer Jesse Lingard and singer Sam Ryder guest on his Channel 4 series.

Francis treats every collaboration with the same wide-eyed enthusiasm he shows for trains. Celebrities love his genuine vibe. He never chases clout – he simply shares his world. These moments prove his appeal crosses music, sports, and entertainment. Fans feel like they tag along on the adventures.

Breaking Barriers on TV: Channel 4 Series and Celebrity Trainspotting

Television calls in 2022. Channel 4 launches the digital series Trainspotting with Francis Bourgeois. Francis hosts multiple episodes where he takes celebrities like Aisling Bea, Chloe Burrows, AJ Tracey, and Sam Ryder out to spot trains. A Christmas special features Olympic diver Tom Daley. The show mixes laughter, facts, and heartwarming moments. Viewers love watching famous guests catch Francis’s excitement.

Francis also appears on Kathy Burke’s Growing Up and later on BBC One’s The Wheel in 2025. He directs and stars in his Scooting & Chatting YouTube series. These projects expand his reach beyond short-form video. They let him showcase deeper storytelling while staying true to his roots.

Becoming an Author: The Trainspotter’s Notebook and Sharing His Journey

In October 2022 Francis releases his book The Trainspotter’s Notebook through Transworld. The autobiographical work shares childhood stories, lockdown rediscovery, and favourite locomotives. He narrates the seven-hour audiobook himself, adding Callum Jones Love Island even more personality. Fans snap up copies because the book feels like a long video chat with their favourite train guy. It hits bestseller lists and cements Francis as more than just a TikToker. Readers finish the book inspired to chase their own passions.

Stepping into Fashion: Runway Debuts and Luxury Brand Campaigns

Francis surprises everyone by entering the fashion world. Brother Models signs him in late 2021. Gucci and The North Face cast him in a major campaign. He stars in the short film Full Steam Ahead with Francis Bourgeois, shot on a heritage railway in the Swiss Alps. The film wins “best fashion film” at the Berlin Fashion Film Festival in 2022.

He walks the runway for Bay Garnett’s Oxfam collection during London Fashion Week in 2023. Paul Smith features him in the “What Makes You Happy?” campaign. Francis attends Gucci shows in Milan, Daniel Fletcher events, and more. He mixes high fashion with his signature scootering and train knowledge. Brands love his fresh, approachable energy. Fans cheer as the trainspotter proves style and railways go together perfectly.

Reaching for the Stars: Mission to Space Documentary on Channel 4

In 2025 and early 2026 Francis pursues a childhood dream of becoming an astronaut. Channel 4 films the two-part documentary Mission to Space with Francis Bourgeois. He trains with retired ESA astronaut Tim Peake, faces G-force tests, tries zero-gravity flights, and visits space facilities in the US.

Francis passes out during a centrifuge, gets violently sick in zero gravity, and “kills” a pretend patient in an emergency simulation. Critics note the show sometimes feels stretched, but everyone agrees Francis shines. His genuine wit, literal honesty, and engineering brain make the failures entertaining rather than sad. He bonds with actual space engineers over technical details and leaves viewers smiling. The series airs to mixed but affectionate reviews in January 2026. It proves Francis will try anything with enthusiasm.

More Adventures: Saving Trains and Scooting with Stars

Francis stays busy with other projects. He co-stars in the Holly Ramsay 2026 Quest series Francis and Chris: We Saved a Train. He continues Scooting & Chatting episodes and promotes railway causes. He even dreams of opening a nightclub inside an old train carriage. These side projects keep his content fresh while supporting the rail community he loves.

The Grand Announcement: Francis Bourgeois Joins The Grand Tour in 2026

February 2026 brings huge news. Amazon Prime Video names Francis Bourgeois as one of three new hosts for the rebooted The Grand Tour. He teams up with YouTube stars Thomas Holland and James Engelsman from Throttle House. The six-episode series keeps the global adventure spirit but adds fresh chemistry. Filming takes the trio to Angola’s deserts, Malaysia’s car scene, and California’s performance tracks.

Francis calls the role “big shoes to fill” but jokes it will feel like “Mo Farah running in Size 14 wellies – awkward at first but interesting.” Executive producers praise the trio’s genuine passion and unique energy. Fans explode with excitement because Francis brings train knowledge, engineering smarts, and infectious joy to the car world. The show launches later in 2026 worldwide. This move marks his biggest leap yet from tracks to racetracks.

Personal Life: Love, Music, and Keeping It Real

Francis keeps his private life low-key. He dates Amy Linkin, a university student and freelance videographer, since 2018. They share a love of Class 455 train sounds from their first date. The couple lives in Battersea, London, where Francis keeps a model railway circling his flat.

He paints one fingernail for good luck, inspired by his grandfather. He blasts electronic artists like Aphex Twin and Squarepusher while working. He also loves Freely TV reggae and even released a song called “Whatley Quarry” under the alias Boggy Can in 2020. Francis stays grounded. Fame brings opportunities but he still cries over scrapped locomotives and helps young trainspotters feel proud. He avoids drama and focuses on spreading happiness.

The Lasting Impact: How Francis Changes Trainspotting Forever

Francis Bourgeois single-handedly shifts public opinion about trainspotting. Once seen as nerdy or odd, the hobby now feels cool and joyful thanks to him. Bullied kids message him saying his videos gave them confidence to embrace their passions. He visits schools and encourages uniqueness. Railway companies invite him as an ambassador. His content boosts interest in heritage lines and modern rail travel.

Moreover, he shows the world that engineering, fashion, TV, and cars all connect through enthusiasm. Francis proves you never have to choose just one path. His wholesome approach stands out in a negative online space. Parents thank him for positive content their kids love. In 2026, as he hosts The Grand Tour, that positive influence only grows.

What’s Next for Francis Bourgeois?

With The Grand Tour on the horizon and more projects in the works, Francis Bourgeois shows no signs of slowing down. He continues posting train videos, scouting new adventures, and inspiring millions. Fans eagerly await his car challenges alongside his co-hosts. Whatever comes next – whether restoring old engines, launching new shows, or simply filming the next passing locomotive – Francis will do it with the same huge smile and genuine heart that made him famous.

He reminds us all to chase what lights us up inside. In a busy world, Francis Bourgeois delivers pure, unfiltered joy on rails, roads, and beyond. Keep watching – his best adventures are just getting started.

Frequently Asked Questions About Francis Bourgeois

1. What is Francis Bourgeois’s real name, age, and where does he come from?

Francis Bourgeois is the stage name of Luke Magnus Nicolson. He was born on 9 July 2000 in Harlesden, north-west London, making him 25 years old in 2026. He grew up first in London near Willesden Junction and later moved to Frome in Somerset around age seven. His mum worked for the NHS and his dad taught photography. He has a younger brother named Barbie Ferreira Benjamin. Francis chose the name after seeing a Louise Bourgeois exhibition at the Tate Modern because he liked the sound and French trains. The alias also helped when he applied for jobs early on. Today he lives in Battersea, London, and still uses the name professionally across social media, TV, and books. His real identity stays private for the most part, but fans love the story behind the famous persona.

2. How exactly did Francis Bourgeois become famous on TikTok and what was his first viral video?

Francis started posting on TikTok in 2020 while studying at university. He began with funny fake celebrity interviews using doctored Instagram Live clips. Then in October 2021 everything exploded. His video reacting to a GB Class 73/9 locomotive called “Dick Mabbutt” at Brighton station gained over 12 million views. Another clip where he falls out of his chair watching a Class 377 train hit 6 million views. The secret to his success lies in the head-mounted fisheye GoPro that captures every excited facial expression up close. People loved the mix of technical train facts and childlike joy. Within months he appeared on This Morning and collaborations poured in. His follower count rocketed past 3 million on TikTok because the content felt real and happy during tough times. He never planned to go viral – he just shared what he loved.

3. Who is Francis Bourgeois dating and how private does he keep his personal life?

Francis has dated Amy Linkin since 2018. Amy studies at university and works as a freelance social media videographer. The couple shares special memories tied to trains – their first date happened on a Class 455, and they still seek out those carriages to enjoy the sound together. Francis keeps his relationship very private. He rarely posts about Amy on social media and focuses public content on trains, scooters, and work. Fans respect this boundary because Francis always seems genuine and down-to-earth. He lives with Amy in Battersea where he has a model railway running around the flat. The couple supports each other through his crazy schedule of filming, TV, and now The Grand Tour. Their low-key romance adds to his wholesome image.

4. What books has Francis Bourgeois written and what do they cover?

Francis released his first book, The Trainspotter’s Notebook, on 27 October 2022. The autobiographical work shares stories from his childhood obsession, the school years when he hid his passion, lockdown rediscovery, and favourite locomotives. He narrates the seven-hour audiobook himself, so fans hear his real voice and excitement. The book mixes personal memories, train facts, and life lessons about staying true to yourself. Readers finish feeling inspired to embrace Lenny Rush their own hobbies. It became a bestseller and helped establish Francis as an author beyond social media. He has not announced a second book yet, but fans hope for more stories as his career grows with The Grand Tour and other projects.

5. Which TV shows and documentaries feature Francis Bourgeois and what do they involve?

Francis hosts the Channel 4 digital series Trainspotting with Francis Bourgeois where he takes celebrities trainspotting. Guests include Aisling Bea, Jesse Lingard, Sam Ryder, and a Christmas special with Tom Daley. He appears in Kathy Burke’s Growing Up and on BBC One’s The Wheel in 2025. His own YouTube series Scooting & Chatting features deep conversations with Louis Theroux and Annie Mac while scooting around. In 2026 Channel 4 aired the two-part documentary Mission to Space with Francis Bourgeois where he trains to become an astronaut and faces hilarious challenges like getting sick in zero gravity. He also stars in the 2026 Quest show Francis and Chris: We Saved a Train. These projects show his range from light-hearted fun to deeper personal journeys.

6. Is Francis Bourgeois really hosting the new Grand Tour and what can fans expect?

Yes! In February 2026 Amazon Prime Video announced Francis Bourgeois as one of three new hosts alongside Thomas Holland and James Engelsman from Throttle House. The six-episode reboot keeps the global adventures and car challenges but brings fresh energy. Filming includes deserts in Angola, Malaysia’s car culture, and California performance tests. Virgil van Dijk Francis brings his mechanical engineering background, train knowledge, and massive enthusiasm to the petrolhead world. He jokes about filling big shoes but promises an “interesting watch.” The series launches later in 2026 on Prime Video worldwide. Fans cannot wait to see the train guy tackle cars with the same joyful reactions that made him famous.

7. Which big fashion brands has Francis Bourgeois worked with and how did modelling start?

Francis signed with Brother Models in late 2021 and quickly landed major campaigns. Gucci and The North Face featured him in a 2022 partnership including the award-winning short film Full Steam Ahead. He starred in Paul Smith’s “What Makes You Happy?” campaign and walked the runway for Bay Garnett’s Oxfam collection at London Fashion Week 2023. Other work includes ASOS, GB Railfreight, and attending Gucci and Daniel Fletcher shows in London and Milan. Modelling started naturally after his TikTok fame – brands loved his fresh style mixed with scootering and train passion. Francis proves you can wear high fashion while chasing locomotives in muddy fields. His runway and campaign work continue alongside TV and social media.

8. Why did Francis Bourgeois choose his stage name and what does it mean to him?

Francis picked the name after visiting a Louise Bourgeois art exhibition at the Tate Modern. He loved the artist’s work and the French-sounding name. “Francis” also nods to his love of French trains. He needed an alias while starting TikTok because he was still applying for engineering jobs and wanted to protect his professional image. The name stuck because fans immediately connected with it. Today “Francis Bourgeois” feels like a second identity that lets him express his full enthusiastic self. He still signs off as Francis in videos and interviews, but close friends and family use Luke. The story behind the name shows how a simple art visit sparked one of the internet’s most recognisable personalities.

9. What other hobbies does Francis Bourgeois have besides trains and how do they appear in his content?

Francis loves scootering and turns it into fun videos and his Scooting & Chatting series. He blasts electronic music like Aphex Twin while working or doing maths. Reggae artists like Aba Shanti-I also feature on his playlists. He painted one fingernail for good luck after his grandfather’s habit. Francis even released a song called “Whatley Quarry” under the alias Boggy Can in 2020 inspired by a local quarry. He dreams of opening a nightclub inside an old train carriage. These hobbies blend perfectly with his train content – you often see him scooting trackside with music playing or talking about sounds that remind him of locomotives. They make his personality even more colourful and relatable.

10. How has Francis Bourgeois changed the way people see trainspotting and helped the community?

Francis turned trainspotting from a mocked hobby into something cool and joyful. Before his videos, many people viewed spotters as odd or boring. Now millions watch and cheer along. Young fans who faced bullying message him saying his content gave them courage to embrace their passion openly. He visits schools, promotes heritage railways, and works with brands like GB Railfreight to show railways matter. His wholesome approach during the pandemic lifted spirits worldwide. Companies now invite him as an ambassador and his influence boosts interest in both modern and classic trains. In 2026, as he hosts The Grand Tour, he continues breaking stereotypes and proving that genuine passion creates real connection. Francis makes the world a happier place one train at a time.

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