Francis Bourgeois, formerly known as Luke Nicolson, has transitioned from captivating audiences with his infectious passion for trainspotting on social media to becoming a key presenter on one of the most renowned motoring television programmes.
Bourgeois gained widespread attention through his online videos, which featured him enthusiastically observing trains at stations across Britain. His use of a head-mounted camera captured genuine moments of delight that resonated with millions, quickly amassing a dedicated international following. This surge of popularity led to collaborations with major brands, including a notable campaign with luxury fashion label Gucci and outdoor apparel company The North Face, where his trainspotting enthusiasm was uniquely combined with high fashion elements.
Beyond social media, Bourgeois expanded his presence by making television appearances and hosting a train restoration series alongside motoring journalist Chris Harris. At 24 years old, he has now accepted one of his most significant roles yet by joining the new presenting team for The Grand Tour on Prime Video, filling the considerable void left by former hosts Jeremy Clarkson, James May, and Richard Hammond.
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He is joined by YouTubers James Engelsman and Thomas Holland, forming a trio entrusted with continuing the legacy of this beloved motoring format. Despite the excitement surrounding the new series, Bourgeois has spoken candidly about the considerable challenges faced during production. In an exclusive interview with Reach Plc’s Screen Time team, he described moments when the cast approached a “borderline breaking point,” particularly during an arduous 12-hour drive through Angola.
Reflecting on the experience, Bourgeois remarked, “There are so many moments that go through my mind when I’m trying to sleep, and it just conjures a different feeling. Some of them are stomach-turning, some of them get my heart racing, some of them make me laugh, make me smile when I’m just sitting there thinking about what we have done.”
He further revealed the demanding nature of their journey: “Each moment was special in its own way, even when we were at that borderline breaking point after driving in Angola for nearly 12 hours, wrestling with stomach issues, and just driving late into the night. Looking back on that moment even now, it’s certainly character building.”
The new presenting team was recently photographed alongside Clarkson, Hammond, and May at the premiere of the latest season of The Grand Tour. Clarkson shared the image on his Instagram page with the caption: “Grand Tour handover. Good luck guys,” adding a humorous note by referring to it as Prime Video’s “s*** car show” in a hashtag.
The Grand Tour’s new series is currently available for streaming on Prime Video.