Francis Bourgeois, born Luke Magnus Nicolson on 9 July 2000, is one of Britain’s most distinctive modern internet personalities. Known for his wide-eyed enthusiasm, infectious laughter, and unmistakable head-mounted GoPro, he rose to prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic by sharing videos that celebrated trains with pure, unfiltered joy. At a time when much of the world felt uncertain and disconnected, his content offered something refreshingly simple: genuine excitement and emotional honesty.
What began as a personal hobby quickly evolved into a cultural phenomenon. Francis transformed the traditionally niche world of trainspotting into mainstream entertainment, attracting millions of followers across TikTok and Instagram. His expressive reactions to passing locomotives, especially when a train “toned” its horn, became his trademark and set him apart from typical social media creators.
Beyond viral fame, Francis Bourgeois has built a multifaceted career spanning television presenting, high-fashion modelling, and authorship. He has fronted Channel 4 and BBC programmes, worked with luxury brands such as Gucci and Paul Smith, and published an autobiographical book that explores both his passion for railways and his inner emotional world. Despite growing success, he remains grounded, approachable, and deeply connected to the enthusiasm that first captured public attention.
Today, Francis Bourgeois stands as a symbol of modern authenticity. His journey demonstrates how embracing individuality, rather than suppressing it, can lead to unexpected success. Through trains, creativity, and openness, he has carved out a unique place in British popular culture, proving that joy, when shared sincerely, can resonate far beyond the tracks.
Quick Bio
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Luke Magnus Nicolson |
| Stage Name | Francis Bourgeois |
| Date of Birth | 9 July 2000 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 25 years old |
| Birthplace | Harlesden, North West London, England |
| Nationality | British |
| Height | Approximately average height |
| Hair Colour | Light brown |
| Eye Colour | Blue |
| Education | University of Nottingham (Mechanical Engineering) |
| Profession | Trainspotter, social media personality, TV host, model and author |
| Marital Status | Not married |
| Relationship | In a long-term relationship with girlfriend Amy Linkin |
| Children | None |
| Net Worth | Not publicly disclosed; estimated to be in the high six to low seven figures |
| Famous For | Viral trainspotting videos filmed with a fisheye GoPro lens, celebrating locomotives with visible excitement |
Early Life and Education
Francis Bourgeois was born Luke Magnus Nicolson in the London district of Harlesden, an area threaded with rail lines that would later feel almost prophetic in shaping his life. When he was seven years old, his family moved to Frome in Somerset, a quieter town that contrasted sharply with London’s pace. It was here that Luke’s fascination with trains deepened rather than faded.
From an early age, he was drawn to mechanical systems, patterns, and the quiet poetry of movement. Trains offered all three. They were powerful yet precise, noisy yet calming. While many children were content with toy cars or video games, Luke found himself memorising locomotive classes, listening for horn tones, and watching timetables with intense focus. His solitary interests often gave him a strong sense of identity.
At school, Luke was known as intelligent, gentle, and somewhat reserved. He gravitated naturally towards science and mathematics, particularly physics. Teachers noticed his aptitude for understanding how things worked, and mechanical engineering felt like an obvious next step. He went on to study Mechanical Engineering at the University of Nottingham, where his analytical mindset flourished.
University life broadened his horizons. Alongside his academic work, Luke maintained his love for trainspotting, often travelling across the country to see rare locomotives. At the same time, he developed an interest in electronic music, especially experimental artists like Aphex Twin, whose unconventional structures resonated with Luke’s way of thinking. Scootering also became a creative outlet, offering freedom and motion in a more personal way.
Personal and Family Life
Francis Bourgeois has always kept his family life largely private, choosing instead to let his work speak for itself. What is known is that his upbringing was supportive and stable, allowing him the freedom to pursue interests that others might have dismissed as niche or eccentric.
In his personal life, he has been in a committed relationship with Amy Linkin for several years. The couple celebrated their fifth anniversary in late 2024, marking a relationship that had grown quietly alongside his rapid rise to fame. Amy has been a steady presence, often credited by Francis for understanding and supporting his passion rather than trying to tame it.
He has not married or had children, and he has spoken openly about enjoying a life that balances structure with spontaneity. His routines often revolve around rail schedules, filming opportunities, and creative projects, yet he also values downtime, music, and simple moments away from the public eye.
Career Journey
Francis Bourgeois’ career began not with ambition for fame, but with a desire to share joy. During the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, Luke started posting trainspotting videos on TikTok. Filmed with a head-mounted GoPro and fisheye lens, the videos were visually striking, but it was his emotional honesty that truly set them apart.
He laughed openly, gasped with excitement, and celebrated every horn tone as if it were a personal gift. At a time when much of the world felt anxious and disconnected, his videos offered something rare: uncomplicated happiness. Viewers quickly responded, and his following grew into the millions.
To protect his professional future, including a placement opportunity with Rolls-Royce, Luke adopted the pseudonym Francis Bourgeois. The name was inspired by the artist Louise Bourgeois and his admiration for French railways. What began as a practical decision soon became a recognisable brand.
As his online presence expanded, so did opportunities beyond social media. He began working with major fashion houses, modelling for brands such as Gucci, The North Face, and Paul Smith. His appeal lay in his authenticity; he did not try to become someone else for fashion, and fashion adapted to him instead.
Television soon followed. Channel 4 launched the digital series Trainspotting with Francis Bourgeois, where he shared railway adventures with guests including Joe Jonas, Aisling Bea, and Sam Ryder. The show blended celebrity culture with genuine curiosity, reinforcing Francis’s role as a bridge between niche enthusiasm and mainstream entertainment.
In 2024, he fronted the BBC Travel Show special A Great British Railway Adventure, travelling nearly 900 miles across the UK. The programme highlighted not just trains, but landscapes, communities, and the emotional pull of travel itself. In 2025, reports emerged of his involvement in space-themed factual content for Channel 4, marking a natural extension of his fascination with engineering and exploration.
He also became an author in 2022 with the release of The Trainspotter’s Notebook, an autobiographical work that combined personal reflections, sketches, and technical notes. The book was praised for its warmth and honesty, offering fans a deeper look into his inner world.
Life Challenges and Turning Points
Despite his cheerful public image, Francis Bourgeois’ journey has not been without challenges. One of the most significant turning points was the decision to reveal his real identity. While the pseudonym initially offered protection, it also created a separation between his online persona and private self. Eventually, embracing both sides became necessary for personal growth.
He has also faced scepticism and mockery, particularly from those who questioned whether his enthusiasm was genuine. Some accused him of exaggeration or of performing. Francis responded not with defensiveness, but with consistency. Over time, his sincerity proved impossible to fake.
Balancing sudden fame with mental well-being has been another challenge. The pace of social media success can be overwhelming, and Francis has spoken about learning to slow down, set boundaries, and prioritise joy over metrics. Choosing to expand thoughtfully rather than chase every opportunity has been a defining decision in sustaining his career.
Current Life and Career
As of 2025, Francis Bourgeois continues to evolve while staying true to his roots. He remains highly active on TikTok and Instagram, producing transport-focused content that ranges from traditional trainspotting to level crossing reviews and creative experiments like driving a “slow car fast”.
A major personal milestone came in March 2025, when he became a rolling stock owner, fulfilling a lifelong dream. The achievement symbolised not just success, but continuity, a reminder that his passion had endured through every stage of change.
Professionally, he operates through Francis Bourgeois Limited, managing media projects, brand collaborations, and television work. His lifestyle remains relatively modest compared to many influencers, with spending focused more on experiences and projects than on luxury excess.
Net Worth and Financial Status
Francis Bourgeois’ exact net worth is not publicly disclosed, but industry observers estimate it to be comfortably in the high six- to low seven-figure range. His income streams include social media partnerships, television presenting, modelling contracts, book sales, and branded appearances.
Unlike many viral personalities, his career appears sustainable due to its diversity. He is not reliant on a single platform, and his skills translate across digital, print, and broadcast media. Financially, he represents a modern model of creative independence built on authenticity rather than trend-chasing.
Public Image and Media Presence
In the public eye, Francis Bourgeois is widely seen as wholesome, sincere, and refreshingly unfiltered. Media outlets often describe him as joyful, earnest, and quietly rebellious in his refusal to be cynical. His wide-eyed expressions have become iconic, but thoughtful interviews and a clear sense of self match them.
He is often cited as proof that passion, even when unconventional, can resonate deeply when expressed honestly. For many fans, he represents permission to love what you love without embarrassment.
Fun Facts and Anecdotes
Francis is known to identify specific trains by sound alone, recognising horn tones before seeing the locomotive. He often plans entire days around a single rare sighting, happily waiting hours for a few seconds of magic.
Despite modelling for luxury brands, he has said that one of his happiest purchases was specialised trainspotting equipment rather than designer clothing. He also keeps notebooks filled with sketches, notes, and ideas, many of which inspired his book.
Conclusion
Francis Bourgeois’s story is one of quiet resilience and joyful defiance. From a curious child watching trains to a cultural figure redefining enthusiasm in the digital age, his journey proves that authenticity remains powerful. By staying true to his passions, embracing vulnerability, and refusing to dilute his excitement, he has created not just a career but a legacy rooted in wonder.
In a world often driven by irony and detachment, Francis Bourgeois stands out by caring deeply and unapologetically. His life on the rails is, ultimately, a reminder that joy does not need to be complicated to be meaningful.
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(FAQs)
Who is Francis Bourgeois?
Francis Bourgeois is the stage name of Luke Magnus Nicolson, a British trainspotter, social media personality, television host, model, and author.
Is Francis Bourgeois married?
No, he is not married, but he is in a long-term relationship with his girlfriend, Amy Linkin.
Does Francis Bourgeois have children?
No, he does not have any children.
What is Francis Bourgeois’ profession now?
He works across social media, television presenting, modelling, and writing, while continuing to create transport-focused content.
What is Francis Bourgeois’ net worth?
His net worth is not publicly disclosed, but it is estimated to be in the high six to low seven-figure range based on his diverse career income streams.