Francis Bourgeois (trainspotter)

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Bourgeois was born in Harlesden, north-west London.{{Cite web|last=Sanders|first=Laura|date=10 November 2021|title=Who Is Train Enthusiast Francis Bourgeois And Are His Videos Genuine?|url=https://www.ladbible.com/community/53021-francis-bourgeois-tiktok-trains-real-20211110|access-date=16 November 2021|website=LADbible|language=en}}{{Cite web|last=Finnan|first=Sarah|date=16 November 2021|title=Meet Francis Bourgeois, the viral TikTok trainspotter sparking joy with his videos|url=http://www.image.ie/living/meet-francis-bourgeois-the-viral-tiktok-trainspotter-sparking-joy-with-his-videos-320828|access-date=27 November 2021|website=IMAGE.ie|language=en}} His mother works for the National Health Service and his father is a photography teacher. He also has one younger brother named Benjamin.{{cite web |last1=Allen-Mills |first1=Tony |title=TikTok trend as users go loco for Francis the trainspotter |url=https://www.thetimes.com/business-money/technology/article/tiktok-trend-as-users-go-loco-for-francis-the-trainspotter-srlzfrspb |website=The Times |access-date=2 October 2021 |archive-date=2 October 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20211002204057/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/tiktok-trend-as-users-go-loco-for-francis-the-trainspotter-srlzfrspb |url-status=bot: unknown }}{{cite web |last1=Wickes |first1=Jade |title=What Francis Bourgeois did next |url=https://theface.com/life/francis-bourgeois-trainspotting-tiktok-influencer-viral-social-media-vol4-issue9 |website=The Face |date=24 November 2021 |access-date=24 November 2021}} No one in Bourgeois' family has a background in trains or engineering.

He developed an interest in trains during his early childhood, noting his parents and grandparents became aware of his interest when he was "about three."{{cite web |last1=Davey |first1=Arianne |title=Meet trainspotting enthusiast and TikTok star, Francis Bourgeois |url=https://www.therailwayhub.co.uk/65558/an-exclusive-interview-with-trainspotting-enthusiast-francis-bourgeois/ |website=The Railway Hub |date=7 December 2022 |access-date=7 December 2022}} Bourgeois remembers being "obsessed" with BRIO wooden train sets, the "stage before you go to Hornby trains,"{{cite web |title=Francis Bourgeois Drags Thomas The Tank Engine During 'Most Impossible Quiz' – PopBuzz Meets |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S3iuTyo93YI&ab_channel=PopBuzz |website=YouTube |publisher=PopBuzz |access-date=9 December 2022}} as well as Hot Wheels. After visiting the Peco factory at Pecorama in Devon at the age of four, his grandmother gave him his first model railway set, a Hornby set consisting of a "Pannier tank and some old freight wagons"; his set would gradually receive additions at Christmas and birthdays.

At the age of seven, he moved to rural Frome, Somerset.{{Cite web|last=Wickes|first=Jade|date=21 May 2021|title=Francis Bourgeois is TikTok's trainspotting sensation|url=https://theface.com/life/francis-bourgeois-tik-tok-trainspotting-digga-d-swarmz-billie-eilish-viral-social-media-lockdown|access-date=27 November 2021|website=The Face|language=en-gb}}{{cite web |last1=Wickes |first1=Jade |title=Francis Bourgeois is TikTok's trainspotting sensation |url=https://theface.com/life/francis-bourgeois-tik-tok-trainspotting-digga-d-swarmz-billie-eilish-viral-social-media-lockdown |website=The Face |date=21 May 2021 |access-date=21 May 2021}} Despite there being "far less railway action," he says the nearby Whatley Quarry continued to pique his interest and evolve his passion for freight trains.

{{quote box|align=left|width=25%|quote=I started a new school in Year Seven, when my favourite thing to do after school was come home and play with my model railway, but I realised I was experiencing feelings of loneliness, so I decided to try and fit in a bit more at school. I gelled my hair up and decided to sell my model railway in order to fund my gym membership. I even wore roadman clothes, but it wasn't me and it wasn't making me happy at all. Lockdown happened, my hair grew out, and I reclaimed my love for trains through my videos.|source= — Francis Bourgeois addresses accusations of being inauthentic after photographs from his adolescence emerge. (December 2021){{Cite web|last=O'Dell|first=Liam|date=December 2021|title=TikTok trainspotter Francis Bourgeois responds to accusations he's 'fake'|url=https://www.indy100.com/viral/tiktok-trainspotter-francis-bourgeois-trains-b1978583|access-date=20 December 2021|website=Indy100|publisher=The Independent|language=en}}}}

During his childhood, Bourgeois was mocked by peers for his hobby. When he entered secondary school at the age of 15, he suppressed his interest in trains as a means to fit in better and sold his railway sets. Throughout his adolescence, his hobbies consisted of BMX, mountain biking, and going to the skate park. "Being a train enthusiast at secondary school is difficult," he explained, "gym memberships and trendy clothes took precedence at that point, regrettably."

Bourgeois credits his Year 11 teacher for discouraging him from acting mischievously, and as a result, he began to excel in algebra and A-Level physics, which would set him on a path to pursue mechanical engineering at the University of Nottingham. He then rekindled his trainspotting pastime during the period of COVID-19 restrictions and frequented the Pot Lane overbridge in Berkley on the edge of Frome. He considers it his favourite location alongside Willesden Junction. In 2020, Bourgeois and his brother began shooting videos and posting them to TikTok.{{cite web |last1=Davey |first1=Arianne |title=Meet trainspotting enthusiast and TikTok star, Francis Bourgeois |url=https://www.therailwayhub.co.uk/65558/an-exclusive-interview-with-trainspotting-enthusiast-francis-bourgeois/ |website=The Railway Hub |date=7 December 2022 |access-date=December 7, 2022}}

He studied mechanical engineering at the University of Nottingham, expressing a desire to pursue industrial engineering and "create new railways or revitalize older lines" as a civil engineer. He was hired by Rolls-Royce and briefly worked at a car factory in Portsmouth, but resigned in November 2021 following his social media growth.{{Cite web|last=O'Dell|first=Liam|date=21 November 2021|title=TikTok's favourite trainspotter has quit his job to pursue his hobby full-time|url=https://www.indy100.com/viral/tiktok-trainspotter-francis-bourgeois-job-b1961591|access-date=27 November 2021|website=Indy100|publisher=The Independent|language=en}} His parents supported this decision granted that he take the module to convert his bachelor's degree to a master's.

In the first year of his social media presence, it was widely believed that Bourgeois had borrowed his moniker from the 18th-century court painter of the same name.{{cite web |last1=Silbert |first1=Jake |title=Tiktok's Favorite Trainspotter Was Secretly a Model & We Don't Mind |url=https://www.highsnobiety.com/p/francis-bourgeois-tiktok-trainspotting-model/ |website=Highsnobiety|date=19 December 2021 }}{{cite web |last1=Perrie |first1=Stewart |title=Trainspotting Legend Francis Bourgeois' 'Real Name Revealed' |url=https://www.ladbible.com/news/news-trainspotting-legend-francis-bourgeois-real-name-is-luke-20211127 |website=Lad Bible|date=27 November 2021 }}

It was later revealed in an interview that the name "Francis" was chosen because "he likes France and the way they do trains," and "Bourgeois" was inspired by a visit with his father to a sculpture exhibition by Louise Bourgeois.{{cite web |last1=Kutchinsky |first1=Serena |title="I see myself as an influencer of joy": meet TikTok megastar Francis Bourgeois, AKA The Train Guy |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/insider/the-train-guy-meet-francis-bourgeois-tiktok-star-b1034474.html |website=Evening Standard |date=24 October 2022 |publisher=Insider |access-date=24 October 2022}}{{cite web |last1=Segalov |first1=Michael |title='I find myself choked up with the emotions': TikTok's trainspotter sensation Francis Bourgeois |url=https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2022/oct/23/track-star-meet-tiktoks-trainspotter-sensation |website=The Guardian |date=23 October 2022 |access-date=23 October 2022}} Given the perception amongst his school peers that trainspotting was uncool, he explained that his pseudonym allowed him to "feel a bit more protected" when making videos. When he was applying for his fourth-year work placement, the university staff informed him that potential employers might search his name, and this is not something he wanted to worry about. Additionally, he believes that "Francis Bourgeois" has "a bit more of a ring to it" than his given name.{{cite web |last1=Bennett |first1=Connor |title=TikToker Francis Bourgeois gives Louis Theroux new reason for using fake name |url=https://www.dexerto.com/entertainment/tiktoker-francis-bourgeois-gives-louis-theroux-new-reason-for-using-fake-name-1999555/ |website=Dexerto |access-date=30 November 2022}}

Bourgeois' initial TikTok posts consisted of fake "interviews" and comedic doctored videos of himself conversing with celebrities over Instagram Live, including English rapper Swarmz, drill artist Digga D, and alt-pop artist Billie Eilish, as well as Kylie Jenner, which garnered him an early following. By May 2021, he had just under 250,000 followers.{{cite web |last1=Wickes |first1=Jade |title=Francis Bourgeois is TikTok's trainspotting sensation |url=https://theface.com/life/francis-bourgeois-tik-tok-trainspotting-digga-d-swarmz-billie-eilish-viral-social-media-lockdown |website=The Face |date=21 May 2021 |access-date=21 May 2021}}

In October 2021, two of his videos went viral, the first featuring him at Brighton railway station reacting to a GB Class 73/9 locomotive and the name it was given, "Dick Mabbutt"; this video accumulated over 12 million views.{{cite web |last1=Gilboy |first1=James |title=Dick Mabbutt: Here's the Deal With Britain's Dirtiest Train Name |url=https://www.thedrive.com/news/42960/dick-mabbutt-heres-the-deal-with-britains-dirtiest-train-name |website=The Drive |date=20 November 2021 |access-date=20 November 2021}} Another shows his reaction to the arrival of a British Rail Class 377 train travelling from Littlehampton to Southampton Central, during which he waves at the train driver and then proceeds to fall out of his chair; the video has garnered over six million views.{{Cite web|last=Leigh|first=Robert|date=4 October 2021|title=TikTok trainspotter Francis Bourgeois melts Phil and Holly's hearts on This Morning – 'Adorable!'|url=https://www.entertainmentdaily.co.uk/news/tiktok-trainspotter-francis-bourgeois-who-is-he-and-why-is-he-famous-on-social-media/|access-date=27 November 2021|website=Entertainment Daily|language=en-GB}} Later that month, Bourgeois appeared with Josie Gibson on the ITV daytime magazine programme This Morning to discuss the success of his TikTok videos.{{Cite web|last=Finnan|first=Sarah|date=16 November 2021|title=Meet Francis Bourgeois, the viral TikTok trainspotter sparking joy with his videos|url=http://www.image.ie/living/meet-francis-bourgeois-the-viral-tiktok-trainspotter-sparking-joy-with-his-videos-320828|access-date=27 November 2021|website=IMAGE.ie|language=en}}{{Cite web|last=Swinscoe|first=Lydia|date=31 October 2021|title=Tik Tok star Francis Bourgeois' legendary trainspotting videos are 100 percent the best thing to come out of 2021|url=https://www.womanandhome.com/us/life/news-entertainment/tik-tok-star-francis-bourgeois-legendary-trainspotting-videos-are-100-percent-the-best-thing-to-come-out-of-2021/|access-date=27 November 2021|website=Woman & Home}}

In late November 2021, Bourgeois registered Francis Bourgeois Limited as a private limited company. In January 2022, he signed with the Books division of YMU, an international talent management company,{{Cite web|last=Ravindran|first=Manori|date=4 January 2022|title=Trainspotting TikTok Talent Francis Bourgeois Signs With YMU (Exclusive)|url=https://variety.com/2022/digital/global/francis-bourgeois-agent-ymu-1235146401/|access-date=20 January 2022|website=Variety}} and he became a brand ambassador for GB Railfreight.{{Cite web|last=Smith|first=Roger|date=7 January 2022|title=TikTok star appointed GB Railfreight brand ambassador|url=https://www.railadvent.co.uk/2022/01/tiktok-star-appointed-gb-railfreight-brand-ambassador.html|access-date=2022-01-20|website=RailAdvent|language=en-GB}} Shortly after, he shot an ASOS promotional video on a GBRf locomotive.{{cite web |last1=Walton |first1=Simon |title=UK social media star influences rail freight |url=https://www.railfreight.com/railfreight/2021/12/09/uk-social-media-superstar-influences-rail-freight/ |website=RailFreight |date=9 December 2021 |access-date=December 19, 2022}}{{cite web |last1=Walton |first1=Simon |title=Smiles all round as GBRf appoint social media brand ambassador |url=https://www.railfreight.com/railfreight/2022/01/06/smiles-all-round-as-gbrf-appoint-social-media-brand-ambassador/ |website=RailFreight |date=6 January 2022 |access-date=January 6, 2022}}

After experiencing a surge in popularity, Joe Jonas contacted Bourgeois; on 12 January 2022, the two picnicked{{cite web |last1=Russell |first1=Kayla |title=Meet The Train Guy: TikTok Megastar Francis Bourgeois |url=https://ukdaily.news/westmidlands/meet-the-train-guy-tiktok-megastar-francis-bourgeois-61558.html |website=UK Daily News |access-date=24 October 2022}} and went trainspotting in rural Milton Keynes.{{cite web |last1=Lawler |first1=Danielle |title=Why everyone – from Joe Jonas to Gucci – is obsessed with TikTok trainspotting sensation Francis Bourgeois |url=https://www.tatler.com/article/tik-tok-trainspotting-sensation-becomes-the-new-face-of-the-north-face-x-gucci |website=Tatler |date=19 January 2022 |access-date=19 January 2022}}{{Cite web|last=Sung|first=Morgan|date=12 January 2022|title=Joe Jonas goes trainspotting with TikTok creator Francis Bourgeois in an unexpected collab|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/pop-culture/viral/joe-jonas-goes-trainspotting-tiktok-creator-francis-bourgeois-unexpect-rcna12009|access-date=2022-01-20|website=NBC News|language=en}} Thereafter, he began posting other collaborations to social media alongside Rosalía, Thierry Henry in a Puma advert,{{cite web |last1=Jordan |first1=Rick |title=TRAINSPOTTING & THE SUPERGEEK – GOING LOCO |url=https://www.belmond.com/ideas/articles/going-loco-the-rise-of-trainspotting |website=Belmond}} and Sam Fender.{{cite web |last1=Bayley |first1=Sian |title=Transworld gets on board with TikTok trainspotter Francis Bourgeois |url=https://www.thebookseller.com/rights/transworld-gets-on-board-with-tiktok-trainspotter-francis-bourgeois |website=The Bookseller}}{{cite web |last1=Qureshi |first1=Arusa |title=Watch Francis Bourgeois do a tailwhip during Sam Fender's Wembley show |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/watch-francis-bourgeois-do-a-tailwhip-during-sam-fenders-wembley-show-3196410 |website=NME|date=3 April 2022 }}{{cite web |last1=Goggins |first1=Joe |title=Francis Bourgeois rides scooter, performs tailspin on stage with Sam Fender |url=https://www.rollingstone.co.uk/music/news/francis-bourgeois-rides-scooter-stage-sam-fender-14171/ |website=Rolling Stone UK|date=4 April 2022 }}{{cite web |last1=Mahale |first1=Jenna |title=TikTok trainspotter Francis Bourgeois spies a wild Rosalía in Kings Cross |url=https://i-d.vice.com/en/article/4aw8wm/rosalia-tiktok-trainspotter-francis-bourgeois |website=i-D |access-date=24 March 2022}} In April 2022, he featured in an episode of Amelia Dimoldenberg's web series Amelia's Cooking Show.{{cite web |last1=Williams |first1=Jenessa |title=Francis Bourgeois, Amelia Dimoldenberg and the rise of the awkward superfan |url=https://thefortyfive.com/opinion/francis-bourgeois-amelia-dimoldenberg-and-the-rise-of-the-awkward-superfan/ |website=The Forty-Five |date=9 April 2022 |access-date=9 April 2022}}

Over the summer, Bourgeois spoke at an Advertising Week Europe gathering about creating content that resonates with Gen Z audiences,{{cite web |title=AWEurope 2022 is a hit in London's West End |url=https://www.wearesevenhills.com/aweurope-2022-is-a-hit-in-londons-west-end/ |website=Seven Hills |date=27 May 2022 |access-date=27 May 2022}} and he partnered with TikTok for Business to advise users on growing their brands.{{cite web |last1=Amos |first1=Madeleine |title=This video from TikTok for Business has advice from Francis Bourgeois and Lady Leshur on how to promote music on TikTok and grow your brand. |url=https://routenote.com/blog/using-tiktok-for-marketing/ |website=Route Note |date=16 August 2022 |access-date=16 August 2022}} In May 2022, he appeared at the British Book Awards to present Cressida Cowell with her award.{{cite web |title=Winner of the Book of the Year – AudioBook: Fiction Award Cressida Cowell collects her Nibbie from Francis Bourgeois live on stage! |url=https://twitter.com/thebookseller/status/1528816405335908355 |website=Twitter |publisher=The Bookseller}} He also shot a series of promotional videos alongside British rapper Aitch for Spotify UK's #SpotifySmallTalks segments.{{cite web |title=Aitch meets Francis Bourgeois |url=https://m.facebook.com/HipHopDX.UK/videos/aitch-meets-francis-bourgeois-/721150565976674/ |website=Facebook Watch |publisher=HipHopDX United Kingdom |access-date=23 May 2022}}{{cite web |title=Aitch and Francis Bourgeois play On Repeat pt.1 #SpotifySmallTalks |url=https://www.tiktok.com/@spotifyuk/video/7099483179341335813?is_from_webapp=v1&item_id=7099483179341335813 |website=TikTok |access-date=19 May 2022}} On 8 May 2022, Bourgeois was sponsored by Williams Racing to attend the 2022 Miami Grand Prix, meeting Alex Albon and Lando Norris.{{cite web |title=Francis Bourgeois goes inside the Williams Racing garage |url=https://www.williamsf1.com/posts/96818578-5b1f-407f-b758-64095dbd2c44/francis-bourgeois-goes-inside-the-williams-racing-garage |website=Williams Racing |access-date=13 May 2022}}{{cite web |last1=Weiss |first1=Jamie |title=Francis Bourgeois Should Replace Martin Brundle For The Formula 1 Grid Walk |url=https://www.dmarge.com/francis-bourgeois-f1 |website=DMARGE |date=19 May 2022 |access-date=19 May 2022}}{{cite web |last1=Challies |first1=Josh |title=Train nut Francis Bourgeois has F1 fans in stitches with trackside video at Miami GP |url=https://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/f1/francis-bourgeois-miami-grand-prix-26911351 |website=Daily Star |date=9 May 2022 |access-date=9 May 2022}} On 23 May 2022, Transport for London gave Bourgeois special access to promote London's new Elizabeth line, making him the first passenger to board the railway's Class 345 train.{{cite web |last1=Thompson |first1=Sophie |title=Francis Bourgeois is one of the first to ride the Elizabeth Line and it's so wholesome |url=https://www.indy100.com/news/francis-bourgeois-rides-elizabeth-line |website=Indy100 |publisher=Independent TV |access-date=24 May 2022}} In mid-July 2022, Bourgeois helped to promote British family film The Railway Children Return. On 9 July 2022, he promoted Percy Pig's 30th birthday, and he attended a related festival sponsored by M&S Food on 23 July 2022. In late July 2022, he participated in Ben Ainslie's safety training and operated a catamaran at the Great Britain Sail Grand Prix in Plymouth.{{cite web |last1=Blazeby |first1=Miranda |title=Tiktok Trainspotting Sensation Francis Bourgeois Says Racing an F50 Is 'Like a Movie' |url=https://sailgp.com/news/22/francis-bourgeois-steps-onboard-great-britain-f50/ |website=SailGP |access-date=31 July 2022}}

On 27 October 2022, Bourgeois' autobiographical novel The Trainspotter's Notebook was published.{{cite web |last1=Mensah |first1=Katelyn |title=All aboard! Francis Bourgeois has a book coming out all about his love for trains |url=https://thetab.com/uk/2022/07/19/francis-bourgeois-book-about-trains-262768#:~:text=The%20train%20enthusiast%20will%20have,the%20internet's%20most%20beloved%20trainspotter.%E2%80%9D |website=The Tab|date=19 July 2022 }} An audiobook was also recorded, with seven hours of narration provided by Bourgeois. Throughout October and November 2022, Channel 4 released the five-episode digital series Trainspotting with Francis Bourgeois, featuring Aisling Bea, Chloe Burrows, Jesse Lingard, Sam Ryder, and AJ Tracey.{{cite web |last1=Yossman |first1=K.J. |title=TikTok Trainspotting Sensation Francis Bourgeois to Host Channel 4 Digital Series on Trains |url=https://variety.com/2022/tv/global/trainspotting-francis-bourgeois-channel-4-1235402225/ |website=Variety |date=13 October 2022 |access-date=13 October 2022}} On 15 November 2022, Spotify unveiled the Discover List 2022, their 2nd annual showcase of 50 influential creators on the platform across five categories; Bourgeois was categorized as one of five leading "icons."{{cite web |last1=Shafer |first1=Ellise |title=TikTok's Discover List 2022: Meet 50 Creators Who Are Making a Global Impact (EXCLUSIVE) |url=https://variety.com/lists/tiktok-discover-list-2022/ |website=Variety |date=15 November 2022 |access-date=15 November 2022}}{{cite web |title=The Discover List: Meet the TikTok Creators of 2022 |url=https://newsroom.tiktok.com/en-us/the-discover-list-2022-highlighting-global-tiktok-creators |website=TikTok Newsroom |date=16 August 2019 |access-date=15 November 2022}} On 18 November 2022, Trainline launched a social campaign featuring Bourgeois and Craig David to raise awareness of the environmental benefits of traveling by train.{{cite web |last1=Mendenhall |first1=Jen Kaarlo |title=Behind the scenes with Craig David and Francis Bourgeois |url=https://www.thetrainline.com/via/sustainable-travel-news/behind-the-scenes-with-craig-david-and-francis-bourgeois |website=The Trainline}} On 24 November 2022, he uploaded the first episode of his co-directed series Scooting & Chatting to his new YouTube channel, the first episode featuring Louis Theroux; in turn, the former was interviewed by Theroux for BBC.

On 22 December 2022, Channel 4 released a one-off Trainspotting with Francis Bourgeois Christmas special featuring Tom Daley.{{cite web |title=Tom Daley stars in Trainspotting with Francis Bourgeois |url=https://www.shots.net/news/view/tom-daley-stars-in-trainspotting-with-francis-bourgeois |website=Shots New |access-date=22 December 2022}} After the success of the initial five episodes, the network commissioned three more episodes of Trainspotting with Francis Bourgeois for production, which will air in 2023.{{Needs update|date=March 2025}}{{cite web |title=Tom Daley in Festive Special of Channel 4 Digital Series, 'Trainspotting with Francis Bourgeois' |url=https://www.lbbonline.com/news/tom-daley-in-festive-special-of-channel-4-digital-series-trainspotting-with-francis-bourgeois |website=Little Black Book Online |access-date=22 December 2022}}

In mid-February 2023, Bourgeois was sponsored by Prologis UK to visit their warehouse at the Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal, a major rail freight hub in Northamptonshire. The campaign served to promote DIRFT, the logistics aspect of supply chain management, and the sustainability benefits of rail freight. In the promotional video, Bourgeois is seen admiring freights on site, as well as scootering through their warehouse.{{cite web |last1=Lewis |first1=Chris |title=Making trains – and logistics – cool again |url=https://www.fbj-online.com/making-trains-and-logistics-cool-again/ |website=Freight Business Journal |access-date=February 16, 2023}}

Bourgeois appeared in episode 2 of the Kathy Burke channel 4 documentary, Kathy Burke: Growing Up, where the former discussed his career.{{cite web|url=https://www.sussexexpress.co.uk/arts-and-culture/film-and-tv/kathy-burke-growing-up-worthing-to-take-centre-stage-on-channel-4-programme-also-featuring-francis-bourgeois-4058276|title=Kathy Burke: Growing Up - Worthing to take centre stage on Channel 4 programme also featuring Francis Bourgeois|website=Sussex Express|last=Morton|first=Sam|date=9 March 2023|access-date=9 March 2023}} On April 6, 2023, he released a second episode of his self-produced series Scooting & Chatting, which features Annie Mac.

In late 2021, Bourgeois was represented by Manchester-based agency Brother Models.{{cite web |last1=Goodkind |first1=Summer |title=Derailed: TikTok train star Francis Bourgeois' real name is… Luke |url=https://thetab.com/uk/2021/11/26/derailed-tiktok-train-star-francis-bourgeois-real-name-is-luke-229742 |website=The Tab |date=26 November 2021 |access-date=20 January 2022}}{{cite web |last1=Klein |first1=Ashleigh |title=Viral TikTok trainspotter Francis Bourgeois' identity revealed |url=https://www.ginx.tv/en/tiktok/viral-tiktok-trainspotter-francis-bourgeois-identity-revealed |website=Ginx |date=28 November 2021 |access-date=20 January 2022}}

In January 2022, he was featured in the second chapter of a partnership between Gucci and The North Face.{{cite news |last1=Abraham |first1=Tamara |title=The supernerd who conquered high fashion |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/fashion/people/supernerd-conquered-high-fashion/ |newspaper=The Telegraph |date=21 January 2022 |access-date=21 January 2022}}{{cite web |last1=Connolly |first1=Hannah |title=CALLING AT COUTURE: BETWEEN THE LINES OF FASHION'S LOCOMOTIVE LOVE AFFAIR |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/esmagazine/fashion-train-travel-tfl-transport-for-london-kurt-geiger-b1018981.html |website=ES Standard |date=16 August 2022 |publisher=ES Magazine |access-date=16 August 2022}} In the photographs and a promotional short film by Highsnobiety, he plays the part of a train conductor travelling the Swiss Alps, which were superimposed.{{cite web |last1=Deas |first1=Brad |title=Tik Tok train star Francis Bourgeois films Gucci advert |url=https://www.cravenherald.co.uk/news/19856159.tik-tok-train-star-francis-bourgeois-films-gucci-advert/ |website=Craven Herald & Pioneer |date=18 January 2022 |access-date=January 18, 2022}}{{Cite web|last=Liederman|first=Emmy|date=24 January 2022|title=TikTok's Francis Bourgeois Stars in Gucci, The North Face Ad|url=https://www.adweek.com/agencies/agency-highsnobiety-just-put-tiktoks-favorite-trainspotter-in-the-conductors-seat-for-gucci/|access-date=2022-02-09|website=Adweek|language=en-US}} The film, "Full Steam Ahead with Francis Bourgeois," features the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway, the Oakworth station, and 2MT locomotive No. 78022; it was shot in the Bradford district of West Yorkshire.{{cite web |last1=Royce |first1=Aaron |title=TikTok Trainspotter Francis Bourgeois Stars in Gucci x The North Face's New Campaign |url=https://footwearnews.com/2022/fashion/collaborations/gucci-francis-bourgeois-tiktok-north-face-1203230694/ |website=Footwear News |date=18 January 2022 |access-date=18 January 2022}} "Full Steam Ahead with Francis Bourgeois" won the award for "best fashion film" at Berlin Fashion Film Festival 2022.{{cite web |title=berlin fashion film festival 2022 (best fashion film) – Full Steam Ahead with Francis Bourgeois – Gucci x North Face – Black Dog Films |url=https://berlinfashionfilm.awardsengine.com/?action=ows:entries.details&e=97952&project_year=2022 |website=Berlin Fashion Film Festival}} Afterward, Bourgeois appeared on the Gucci Podcast alongside Bryanboy to discuss the relationship between fashion and social media.{{cite web |last1=McPherson |first1=Tamu |title=Tamu McPherson, Bryanboy and Francis Bourgeois reveal their TikTok secrets. |url=https://open.spotify.com/episode/1skTNsO5FlEi6uB6zkpFS3 |website=Spotify |publisher=Gucci |access-date=23 February 2022}}

In March 2022, Bourgeois starred in Paul Smith's "What Makes You Happy?" campaign, modelling the PS Paul Smith Happy collection.{{cite web |last1=Glenday |first1=John |title=After Gucci, TikTok trainspotter Francis Bourgeois lands starring role in Paul Smith ad |url=https://www.thedrum.com/news/2022/03/31/after-gucci-tiktok-trainspotter-francis-bourgeois-lands-starring-role-paul-smith-ad |website=The Drum |access-date=31 March 2022}}{{cite web |title=Francis is so chuffed |url=https://www.pressreader.com/ |website=Press Reader |publisher=The Scottish Mail |access-date=20 March 2022}}

During London Fashion Week in February 2023, Bourgeois modelled Bay Garnett's "Oxfam Fashion Fighting Poverty" collection at an Oxfam GB x eBay show, which aimed to address poverty and promote sustainable fashion. This event marked his debut on the runway.{{cite web |last1=Leslau |first1=Tania |title=Oxfam's LFW show proves second-hand fashion reigns supreme The Oxfam x eBay show was styled by industry veteran Bay Garnett |url=https://www.hellomagazine.com/hfm/20230217164681/oxfam-ebay-london-fashion-week-show/ |website=Hello Magazine |date=17 February 2023 |access-date=February 17, 2023}}{{cite news |last1=Mac Donnell |first1=Chloe |title=Secondhand style strides forward in Oxfam's London fashion week show Pre-loved style pioneer Bay Garnett dresses stars in curated stock from Oxfam's warehouse for LFW's opening show |url=https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2023/feb/16/secondhand-style-strides-forward-in-oxfams-london-fashion-week-show |website=The Guardian |date=16 February 2023 |access-date=February 16, 2023}}

Throughout 2022, Bourgeois visited various private fashion shows, as well as the Soho House.{{cite web |last1=Benissan |first1=Ezreen |last2=Chitrakorn |first2=Kati |last3=Shoaib |first3=Maliha |title=London Fashion Week: Smaller, buzzy June event here to stay |url=https://www.voguebusiness.com/fashion/london-fashion-week-smaller-buzzy-june-event-here-to-stay |website=Vogue Business |access-date=13 June 2022}} On 19 March 2022, he was invited to the "Fashioning Masculinities: The Art of Menswear" exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum, in partnership with Gucci.{{cite web |title=celebrities in gucci at: 'fashioning masculinities, the art of menswear' |url=https://rain-mag.com/celebrities-made-a-splash-in-gucci-to-vas-fashioning-masculinities-the-art-of-menswear-opening/ |website=Rain Magazine |date=23 March 2022 |access-date=23 March 2022}} In 2022, he attended Daniel Fletcher's February and September AW22 London Fashion Week runway shows,{{cite web |last1=Bromley |first1=Joe |title=Last Night in London: the best parties from Frieze week |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/insider/fashion/jared-leto-frieze-anthony-joshua-naomi-campbell-bjork-riccardo-tisci-michelle-lamy-b1031614.html |website=Evening Standard UK |date=17 October 2022 |access-date=17 October 2022}} where he met Tom Daley ten months before the two would reconvene for Trainspotting with Francis Bourgeois. In May 2022, he attended Gucci's Cosmogonie Cruise show.{{cite web |last1=Salmon |first1=Natalie |title=What you may not have noticed at the Gucci 'Cosmogonie' Cruise show |url=https://www.hellomagazine.com/hfm/20220517140437/gucci-cosmogonie-cruise-show-2023/ |website=Hello Magazine |date=17 May 2022 |access-date=17 May 2022}}{{cite web |title=You can't fail to have a good time in Gucci |url=https://www.pressreader.com/ |website=The Daily Telegraph |access-date=18 May 2022}} In June 2022, he attended a Gucci and Adidas' event at Peckham's Liberal Club commemorating a collaboration between the brands, which he promoted on TikTok prior.{{cite web |title=Ian Wright! Nile Rodgers! An extremely fab collection! Here's everything you need to know from the winding corridors of Peckham Liberal Club |url=https://www.dazeddigital.com/fashion/article/56279/1/what-went-down-at-adidas-and-gucci-s-big-peckham-takeover |website=Dazed Digital |date=10 June 2022 |access-date=10 June 2022}} In January 2023, Bourgeois attended Gucci's Milan's Menswear Fashion Week AW23 show.{{cite web |last1=Bromley |first1=Joe |title=The world's best-dressed men: Street style at Milan's Menswear Fashion Week AW23 |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/insider/fashion/best-dressed-men-street-style-milan-fashion-week-aw23-b1053314.html |website=Evening Standard |access-date=16 January 2022}}{{cite web |last1=WHEELER |first1=ANDRÉ-NAQUIAN |title=The Fresh Style Stars to Watch From the Menswear Shows |url=https://www.vogue.com/article/the-fresh-style-stars-to-watch-from-the-menswear-shows |website=Vogue |date=20 January 2023 |access-date=20 January 2023}}

A signature component of Bourgeois' content is his incorporation of the GoPro fisheye lens, which distorts his face.

He claims that certain aspects of his videos are staged, including a video of him falling out of his chair, explaining "I love absurdist humour, so I try to intertwine it. I could just show trains going by, but I also love making people laugh." In most of his trainspotting videos, Bourgeois will often be seen wearing vintage railway clothing and what he describes as a "blend between railway memorabilia and streetwear."

In mid-December 2021, he was accused of donning a superficial persona after photographs from his adolescence emerged, as well as videos of him raving.{{cite web |last1=Shaw |first1=Danny |title=Meet Francis Bourgeois: The 20-year-old TikTok trainspotter who just wants to brighten your day |url=https://thetab.com/uk/2021/10/14/meet-francis-bourgeois-the-tiktok-trainspotter-university-student-226049 |website=The Tab |date=14 October 2021 |access-date=20 January 2022}} His response received over 5 million views and was well received.{{cite magazine |last1=Dickson |first1=EJ |title=Is This TikTok-Famous Trainspotter a Secret F-kboy? |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-news/is-this-tiktok-famous-trainspotter-a-secret-f-ckboy-1275415/ |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=23 December 2021 |access-date=23 December 2021}}{{cite web |last1=O'Dell |first1=Liam |title=TikTok trainspotter Francis Bourgeois responds to accusations that he's 'fake' – and people are emotional |url=https://www.indy100.com/viral/tiktok-trainspotter-francis-bourgeois-trains-b1978583 |website=indy100 |access-date=18 December 2021}}{{cite web |last1=Maidment |first1=Adam |title=People 'can't cope' after discovering TikTok trainspotter Francis Bourgeois' real name |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/whats-on/people-cant-cope-after-discovering-22496592 |website=Manchester Evening News |date=17 December 2021 |access-date=17 December 2021}}

Bourgeois has named the Class 37{{cite web | url=https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cq_BagVsQqm/?igshid=NjZiM2M3MzIxNA== | title=Instagram }} and the Class 158 as some of his favourite locomotives, and the Class 170 as his least favourite.{{cite web |last1=Hill |first1=Jimmy |title=Francis Bourgeois Answers Questions No One Wants To Know – Capital |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t38oHpBcIlY&ab_channel=CapitalFM |website=YouTube |publisher=Capital FM |access-date=22 November 2022}} Notably, he has included "43" in his Instagram handle. On some occasions, he has been jokingly critical of the Thomas the Tank Engine series for its lack of realism; however, he has commended the show's use of modelling.{{cite web |last1=Trevaskis |first1=John |title=Trainspotter Francis Bourgeois Breaks Down Famous Trains in Film & TV |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Q56jBEI-hU&ab_channel=PenguinBooksUK |website=YouTube |publisher=Penguin Books UK |access-date=1 December 2022}} In a BBC Radio 1 interview, he demonstrated his ability to identify the make and model of a train by its horn sound.{{cite web |last1=Thompson |first1=Sophie |title=Francis Bourgeois can somehow recognise a train just by its horn |url=https://www.indy100.com/viral/francis-bourgeois-recognises-train-horn |website=indy100 |access-date=2 November 2022}}{{cite web |last1=Browning |first1=Oliver |title=TikTok star Francis Bourgeois attempts to identify a train just by hearing its horn |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/tv/lifestyle/train-bbc-tiktok-francis-bourgeois-b2215952.html |website=Independent TV |date=2 November 2022 |access-date=2 November 2022}} He considers scootering a hobby.

Since 2018, he has been dating Amy Linkin, a university student and freelance social media videographer. As of October 2022, he resides in the Battersea district of London.

Bourgeois takes inspiration from his grandfather's wardrobe, the latter inspiring him to paint one of his fingernails for "good luck."

Bourgeois is interested in electronic music,{{cite web |last1=Houston |first1=Amy |title='His passion is infectious': Highsnobiety on Francis Bourgeois's Gucci x North Face ad |url=https://www.thedrum.com/news/2022/01/21/his-passion-infectious-highsnobiety-francis-bourgeois-s-gucci-x-north-face-ad |website=The Drum |access-date=21 January 2022}} favouring artists like Aphex Twin and Squarepusher. He likens the sound of dance music to the industrial sounds produced by locomotives and diesel engines.{{cite web |last1=Wickes |first1=Jade |title=What Francis Bourgeois did next |url=https://theface.com/life/francis-bourgeois-trainspotting-tiktok-influencer-viral-social-media-vol4-issue9 |website=The Face |date=24 November 2021 |access-date=24 November 2021}} He also enjoys reggae music by artists like Aba Shanti-I and Augustus Pablo. Other sounds he enjoys are that of English Electric Class 37s, 50s, and 31s.{{cite web |last1=Davey |first1=Arianne |title=Meet trainspotting enthusiast and TikTok star, Francis Bourgeois |url=https://www.therailwayhub.co.uk/65558/an-exclusive-interview-with-trainspotting-enthusiast-francis-bourgeois/ |website=The Railway Hub |date=7 December 2022 |access-date=7 December 2022}} In 2020, he self-released a song called "Whatley Quarry" under the alias Boggy Can, inspired by the Whatley Quarry near where he grew up in Frome, Somerset.{{cite web |last1=Ahmed |first1=Aneesa |title=We Found Electronic Music Made By Francis Bourgeois |url=https://mixmag.net/read/francis-bourgeois-trainspotter-electronic-music-news |website=Mixmag |access-date=16 December 2021}}

In November 2021, Bourgeois was invited by Sacha Lord to visit and promote Manchester's Warehouse Project, a club that caters to the rave scene.{{cite web |last1=Gregson |first1=Louisa |title=Tik Tok trainspotter Francis Bourgeois visits 'awesome club' The Warehouse Project and posts up hilarious video |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/tik-tok-trainspotter-francis-bourgeois-22186017 |website=Manchester Evening News |date=17 November 2021 |access-date=17 November 2021}} In March 2022, Bourgeois attended the BandLab NME Music Awards. In April 2022, he performed a tailwhip on stage during a Sam Fender concert, who he met at the NME Awards a month prior.{{cite web |last1=Mensah |first1=Jenny |title=The viral Trainspotter and TikTok star appeared on a scooter during the Geordie singer-songwriter's performance of Getting Started. |url=https://www.radiox.co.uk/artists/sam-fender/joined-francis-bourgeois-stage-wembley-gig/ |website=Radio X UK |access-date=4 April 2022}} In June 2022, he made cameo appearances in a music video for South London rapper Pinty's song "Flex/On My Own."{{cite web |last1=Morrell |first1=Jamie |title=Pinty announces new mixtape – drops AA single Flex/On My Own |url=https://www.withguitars.com/pinty-announces-new-mixtape-drops-aa-single-flex-on-my-own/ |website=With Guitars |access-date=15 June 2022}}{{cite web |last1=Campbell |first1=Erica |title=Pinty announces new mixtape 'Pinty's House' with singles 'Flex' and 'On My Own' Watch Francis Bourgeois cameo in the track's music video |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/pinty-announces-new-mixtape-pintys-house-with-singles-flex-and-on-my-own-3249407 |website=NME Music |date=16 June 2022 |access-date=16 June 2022}}

• The Trainspotter's Notebook (2022)

{{reflist}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Bourgeois, Francis}}

Category:2000 births

Category:Living people

Category:English TikTokers

Category:People from Harlesden

Category:Alumni of the University of Nottingham

Category:People from Frome