Francis Bourgeois is a distinctive British cultural figure of the social media era. With infectious enthusiasm and a passion for trains, he has turned a once-obscure hobby into a global phenomenon. From filming locomotives to walking runways and leading television documentaries, Bourgeois’s journey celebrates authenticity and the power of staying true to oneself.
What makes his rise especially compelling is that it was never driven by irony or performance. Instead, his popularity grew precisely because he did not try to be cool. In an age of curated personas and calculated branding, Francis Bourgeois stood out by being entirely sincere.
Quick Bio
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Luke Nicolson |
| Known As | Francis Bourgeois |
| Date of Birth | 9 July 2000 |
| Age (2026) | 25 years old |
| Birthplace | Harlesden, London, England |
| Nationality | British |
| Height | Approximately 5 ft 8 in (173 cm) |
| Hair Colour | Light brown |
| Eye Colour | Blue |
| Education | Mechanical Engineering, University of Nottingham |
| Profession | Social media personality, television presenter, author, model |
| Relationship Status | In a long-term relationship |
| Children | None |
| Net Worth (Estimated) | £1.5–£3.8 million |
| Known For | Viral trainspotting videos, TV documentaries, fashion modelling |
Early Life and Education
Francis Bourgeois was born Luke Nicolson on 9 July 2000 in Harlesden, north-west London. Raised in a relatively ordinary London household, he was shaped by a deep curiosity about how things worked. From an early age, he displayed a fascination with transport systems, particularly trains. While many children are drawn to trains briefly and then move on, Luke’s interest only deepened with time.
His enthusiasm for railways was never just about watching trains pass. He became captivated by their engineering, history, and individual identities. Each locomotive class had its own character, sound, and story, and he treated them with the reverence others might reserve for classic cars or rare artworks. This attention to detail and emotional connection would later become a defining feature of his public persona.
At school, Luke was known as polite, thoughtful, and slightly reserved. He was academically capable and gravitated towards science and mathematics, subjects that suited his analytical mind. Rather than chasing popularity, he preferred spending time immersed in his interests, reading about trains, travelling on rail lines, and documenting what he saw.
After completing his secondary education, he went on to study mechanical engineering at the University of Nottingham. The degree aligned naturally with his fascination with machinery and systems, and it provided him with a rigorous technical foundation. During this period, trainspotting remained a constant presence in his life, serving as both a passion and an escape from academic pressures.
Personal and Family Life
Despite his very public career, Francis Bourgeois has remained notably private about his family. He has spoken warmly of a supportive upbringing, but has chosen not to place his parents or relatives in the public spotlight. This decision reflects a broader desire to keep certain parts of his life grounded and separate from his online fame.
He has been in a relationship with Amy Linkin since 2018, long before his viral rise. Their relationship has often been cited as a stabilising force, helping him navigate the sudden attention and lifestyle changes that came with fame. As of 2026, the couple does not have children and continues to keep their relationship relatively low-key.
Outside of work, Bourgeois leads a lifestyle that many find refreshingly modest. He enjoys electronic music, particularly artists such as Aphex Twin and Squarepusher, and is an enthusiastic scooter rider, often using one to travel between train stations. These small, human details have helped maintain his image as someone approachable and genuine rather than distant or overly polished.
Career Journey
Luke Nicolson’s transformation into Francis Bourgeois began quietly. While studying at university and later applying for engineering roles, he started posting train-spotting videos online under a pseudonym. The name “Francis Bourgeois” was chosen partly because of his fondness for France and partly in homage to the artist Louise Bourgeois. The alias allowed him to pursue his passion without worrying about how employers might perceive his hobby.
Initially, the videos were simple. Wearing a head-mounted GoPro with a fisheye lens, he filmed himself reacting to passing trains with unfiltered excitement. There was no script, no punchline, and no attempt at irony. What viewers saw was exactly what they got: a young man utterly delighted by locomotives.
In 2021, his content began to spread rapidly on TikTok. Viewers were drawn to the sheer sincerity of his reactions, especially in contrast to the often cynical tone of social media. His joyful exclamations at spotting a Class 37 or a Class 158 struck a chord with millions, and soon his following grew to the same level.
Mainstream media quickly took notice. Rather than mocking him, much of the coverage celebrated his positivity and authenticity. Fashion brands were among the first to see his appeal. Francis Bourgeois began modelling for luxury and lifestyle labels, including Gucci, The North Face, and Paul Smith. His runway debut at London Fashion Week in 2023, walking in a show organised by Oxfam, was widely praised as a moment that blurred the lines between internet culture and high fashion.
Television followed. He hosted the digital series Trainspotting with Francis Bourgeois for Channel 4, inviting celebrities to share in his passion. In 2026, he fronted the two-part documentary Mission to Space with Francis Bourgeois, in which he pursued a childhood dream of becoming an astronaut and underwent intensive training under the guidance of Tim Peake. The programme showcased not just his enthusiasm, but also his resilience and willingness to step outside his comfort zone.
Alongside his media work, he published his autobiographical book The Trainspotter’s Notebook in 2022, offering readers insight into his upbringing, mindset, and unexpected journey to fame.
Life Challenges and Turning Points
While Francis Bourgeois’s career appears joyful on the surface, it has not been without challenges. One of the most significant turning points was the decision to reveal his real identity. As his fame grew, maintaining a separation between Luke Nicolson, the engineer, and Francis Bourgeois, the internet personality, became increasingly difficult.
He also faced online scrutiny. Some questioned the authenticity of his persona, while others dismissed trainspotting as childish. Instead of responding defensively, Bourgeois remained consistent and sincere, letting his actions define him.
Another challenge came with the pressure of rapid success. Moving from relative anonymity to international recognition in a short period required an emotional adjustment. By remaining selective about projects and maintaining close personal relationships, he avoided many of the pitfalls that often accompany sudden fame.
Current Life and Career
As of 2026, Francis Bourgeois is firmly established as a mainstream media figure while remaining deeply connected to his roots. He continues to create social media content, sharing trainspotting videos with millions of followers across TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.
Television remains a major focus, with documentaries and presenting roles forming a significant part of his career. He also manages his professional activities through Francis Bourgeois Limited, a private company that oversees his earnings, partnerships, and business ventures.
Despite his success, he retains a relatively simple lifestyle. He is often spotted travelling by public transport, riding his scooter, and engaging enthusiastically with fans. This consistency between his online persona and real-world behaviour has strengthened public trust and admiration.
Net Worth and Financial Status
Francis Bourgeois’s net worth in 2026 is estimated to be between £1.5 million and £3.8 million. His income comes from a diverse range of sources, including television presenting, documentary work, modelling contracts, brand partnerships, book royalties, and social media monetisation.
Rather than displaying extravagant wealth, he is known for a comfortable but understated standard of living. This approach aligns with his public image and reinforces the sense that his motivations are rooted more in passion than profit.
Public Image and Media Presence
The media and public largely view Francis Bourgeois as a symbol of unfiltered joy. He is frequently described as wholesome, earnest, and refreshing, qualities that stand out in contemporary celebrity culture. His story has been framed as proof that embracing one’s interests, no matter how niche, can lead to unexpected success.
He has also been praised for challenging stereotypes around masculinity and adulthood by openly expressing excitement and emotion. In doing so, he has inspired many to reconnect with their own passions without embarrassment.
Fun Facts and Anecdotes
Francis Bourgeois can often identify trains by sound alone, even before they come into view. He once described hearing a particular locomotive as “better than a festival headliner”. Despite modelling for luxury brands, he remains happiest wearing practical outdoor clothing suitable for long days at train stations. He has also said that one of his dream experiences was simply being allowed to sit in the cab of a locomotive, a wish that has since been fulfilled several times.
Conclusion
Francis Bourgeois’s journey from a quiet engineering student to a celebrated cultural figure is a testament to the power of authenticity. By embracing his passions without irony or self-consciousness, he has carved out a unique place in British popular culture. His story is not just about trains or social media fame, but about the courage to remain oneself in a world that often rewards conformity. In doing so, he has left a lasting impression that extends far beyond the platforms that first made him famous.
READ MORE: Bryce Pérez Biography – Inside the Private Life of Pitbull’s Son
(FAQs)
Who is Francis Bourgeois?
Francis Bourgeois is a British social media personality, television presenter and author best known for his joyful trainspotting videos.
Is Francis Bourgeois married?
He is not married but has been in a long-term relationship with Amy Linkin since 2018.
Does Francis Bourgeois have children?
No, he does not have any children.
What does Francis Bourgeois do now?
He works as a television presenter, content creator, model, and author, while continuing to share trainspotting content online.
What is Francis Bourgeois’s net worth?
His estimated net worth in 2026 ranges between £1.5 million and £3.8 million.