Francis Bourgeois (trainspotter)

Francis Bourgeois
Born
Luke Magnus Nicolson

(2000-07-09) 9 July 2000 (age 24)
Harlesden, London, England
EducationUniversity of Nottingham
Years active2020–present
Known for
TikTok information
Page
Followers3.2 million
Likes72 million

Luke Magnus Nicolson[1][2][3] (born 9 July 2000[4][5]), known as Francis Bourgeois, is a British trainspotter, social media personality, model, and author. He is most known for his lighthearted and humorous videos on the topic of trains, posted to TikTok and Instagram. As of May 2023, he has over 2.9 million TikTok followers and 2.3 million Instagram followers.[6][7]

Bourgeois is often characterised as recording himself through the fisheye lens of a GoPro mounted in front of his face[8][9][10] or by juxtaposing trainspotting with contemporary fashion.[11][12][13] He is also known for his penchant for scootering, which he frequently incorporates into his videos and other public appearances.[14][15][16]

After several of his videos went viral, Bourgeois began collaborating with celebrities such as Joe Jonas and brands including Gucci and The North Face. He has authored one book, The Trainspotter's Notebook, and hosts the digital series Trainspotting with Francis Bourgeois for Channel 4.

  1. ^ Bullmore, Joseph. ""At that moment, I set my younger self free…" All aboard the wild ride that is Francis Bourgeois". Gentleman's Journal. Retrieved 25 October 2022.
  2. ^ Dickson, E. J. (23 December 2021). "Is This TikTok-Famous Trainspotter a Secret F-kboy?". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 9 February 2022.
  3. ^ Curran, Aaron (12 December 2022). "TikTok star Francis Bourgeois tries out Merseyrail". Liverpool Echo. Retrieved 16 July 2023.
  4. ^ Nicolson, Luke Magnus [@francis_bourgeois43] (14 July 2023). "It felt amazing to be able to share my passion with my friends for my birthday, which was on the 9th July" – via Instagram.
  5. ^ Wickes, Jade (21 May 2021). "Francis Bourgeois is TikTok's trainspotting sensation". The Face. Retrieved 27 November 2021.
  6. ^ Wickes, Jade; Travers, Finn (24 November 2021). "What TikTok sensation Francis Bourgeois did next". The Face. Retrieved 27 November 2021.
  7. ^ Dickson, E. J. (24 November 2021). "Congratulations to 'Dick Mabbutt,' TikTok's Sexiest Locomotive". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 27 November 2021.
  8. ^ Cohen, Jamie (20 January 2022). "Gucci x The North Face and a Trainspotting TikTok Star". Marker by Medium. Retrieved 20 January 2022.
  9. ^ Segalov, Michael (23 October 2022). "'I find myself choked up with the emotions': TikTok's trainspotter sensation Francis Bourgeois". The Observer. Retrieved 23 October 2022.
  10. ^ Allen-Mills, Tony (2 October 2021). "TikTok trend as users go loco for Francis the trainspotter". The Sunday Times. ISSN 0140-0460. Archived from the original on 2 October 2021. Retrieved 27 November 2021.
  11. ^ "Full Steam Ahead With Francis Bourgeois, The North Face And Gucci". Highsnobiety. 17 January 2022.
  12. ^ Russell, Kayla. "Meet The Train Guy: TikTok Megastar Francis Bourgeois". UK Daily News. Retrieved 24 October 2022.
  13. ^ Fox-Leonard, Boudicca (29 October 2022). "How trainspotting became cool again". The Telegraph. Retrieved 29 October 2022.
  14. ^ Goggins, Joe. "Francis Bourgeois rides scooter, performs tailspin on stage with Sam Fender". Rolling Stone.
  15. ^ Qureshi, Arusa (3 April 2022). "Watch Francis Bourgeois do a tailwhip during Sam Fender's Wembley show". NME. Retrieved 3 April 2022.
  16. ^ James, Greg. "Francis Bourgeois Teaches Greg Scooter Tricks 🛴". Facebook Watch. BBC 1 Radio. Retrieved 27 October 2022.