PROOF Francis Bourgeois (Train Guy) Isn't Faking It!

Chris Stark from BBC Radio 1 recently went out for drinks with Tik Tok's favourite trainspotter, Francis Bourgeois. Chris spills the beans on whether Francis is playing a character or not...
____________________________________________________________________
🎧 Full episode available to listen & download now:
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
Investigation music:

[HappyHourPodcast]

What do you think after the story from Chris, is Francis just really clever at playing a fake character to get Internet fame, or does he have a genuine lifelong passion for trains? Let us know! 🇳🇺

[alexbirch]

The effort at the end to make sure the clip reaches 8 minutes is impressive

[chris-cole]

I've watched enough of Luke to be convinced that he's quite the quirky individual, he likes what he likes and his reactions are as unique as himself really. And that's OK. I like the guy. His passion just magnetises you to him. I think it's wonderful to see such a sheltered guy be confident and free enough to share his passion with us. Be yourselves. Nothing wrong in that.

[WillWatches]

Even if you think his persona is fake you cant deny his passion and immense knowledge of trains

[thesamaffliction]

Francis is definitely a ‘character’ in the sense that it’s his genuine interests and passions but he exaggerates it for the content. Same way most lifestyle content creators are. He reacts to trains the same way I do to Ferrari’s etc. It’s not that different. I like that he’s proven people wrong and made what is seen as a nerdy or elderly interest and showed you can have an interest in that but also be a normal guy his age

[Stickbatbee]

I feel like online, everyone is a character, not in a negative way but everyone plays an over exaggerated version of themselves because its more interesting to watch. I can’t remember if it was you or H3 that’s said this before.

[seely]

He's definitely a character, but he truly loves trains. There's just way too many "cant believe you got that on camera moments."

[Magdalena]

I met Francis at an art gallery, he is the loveliest guy

[NA]

What i like about him is that you are laughing with him and at him at the say time. His passion for trains is inspiring and and his reactions are always amazing and bring joy, but I will always laugh at the camera angle, that is hilarious

[matthewwoolf]

Who's even bothered if its a 'character' just let the guy enjoy himself

[wagwanbennydj]

I've never thought he's faking it he genuinely loves trains

[HotpottingMad]

I absolutely love Francis' content. It is so wholesome.

[JustLukeMorgan]

Don't we all play characters to an extent while online? Some more than others, of course, but I don't think it's a problem. If you know what works and what an audience wants to watch, you've nailed it.

[brickhead]

Francis is a classic case of someone being judged by the majority for having an obscure hobby/interest. It's hardly a new phenomenon, but if your interests don't involve going out and & getting wasted every weekend you'll be seen as "weird" by the masses. This guy, exaggerated character or not, has made people question that ethos.

[TheVarietyProject]

He's actually addresses this already where he's said that he literally tried to act like a popular kid dress and be a certain way to try fit In, he signed for a modelling agency at one point too I believe I assume he's dropped that since but still all boils down to trying not to be an outcast because of his own interests and personality and it shouldn't be like that, everyone should be accepted for who they are, simple as that really

[JoePlatt]

He has a passion for trains for sure but his name is actually Luke. I don't think you can hyperventilate like he does when a train goes past if you're acting.

[omagnon]

I think he is the Stacy Solomon build. Play on the unique characteristics and sell it.

[fergus]

Just because he likes trains (like me😂) doesn’t mean he won’t like music festivals or anything that isn’t related to trains

[mashthebanana]

Back in April 2021 I came across his content and there was a video where he addressed people thinking he was fake and spoke about during his teenage years feeling the need to conform. I'm sure a lot of people can relate to that. I can anyway. Also the caption of that video says "I can see why people think I’m joking because I try and make funny videos but I genuinely love trains". It makes me sad that he keeps having to address this.

[britishidiots]

Francis is a character in the sense he's just a more exaggerated and flamboyant version of himself