British train enthusiast Francis Bourgeois – who garnered attention for the he started during lockdown – could not be more likable. As he waits for his celebrity guests in each episode of this short-form series (each episode is under 15 minutes), he can’t hide his excitement or nerves. He’s never met any of them before, and he’s genuinely thrilled to have a chance to show them the joys of trainspotting.
As well as sharing his passion for trains, he takes a genuine interest in his guests and how they got started in their careers.
Francis’ enthusiasm for the humble locomotive – that ubiquitous and often loathed object of everyday life – is apparent from the first.
Over six episodes, he hosts a celebrity on a trainspotting adventure in England somewhere, covering both rural and urban areas. As well as introducing them to a certain class of train or sharing the etiquette of greeting the driver when they “thrash” past, Francis brings his guests into an activity that celebrates their particular passion. With Irish comedian Aisling Bea, he goes horse-riding, for example. With Eurovision singer Sam Ryder, the pair face their fears and go for a joyride in a Spitfire aircraft.
But more than being about a bloke who loves trains, this show is about the joy that can arise when two people meet with open and sincere hearts, taking time to really listen to and see each other. He has this way of stripping back the celebrity factor, too. Rapper AJ Tracey, for example, is escorted by bodyguards at all times, but he is so relaxed with Francis, chatting while scooting around a park in the sunshine, that you forget Tracey is incredibly famous.
Francis goes out of his comfort zone to try horse-riding with Aisling Bea. Source: SBS
Francis with rapper AJ Tracey. The pair happen to be from the same town. Source: SBS
It’s clear that none of his guests have given much thought to trains before, but each of them is visibly delighted, even if a little confused or baffled at first, by how delighted Francis is about trains. Sam Ryder tells him, “I love how open you are about your emotional connection to something you’re passionate about. Imagine if all of us were open like that?”
Francis shares that for him, trainspotting is a “form of release and feeling good”. And that in itself is a platform (please excuse the pun, I couldn’t resist) for connection. Most of us harbour a deep love for something, be it stamp collecting, cycling, doing jigsaw puzzles or swimming laps at the local pool. But regardless of the activity, there is a common understanding of the satisfying feeling that doing that thing gives you.
Thrilled to bits to be on the platform with Olympic diver Tom Daley. Source: SBS
Despite Francis, a mechanical engineering graduate, having no prior experience as a TV host, he is at ease in front of the camera, with not a scrap of pretension or showiness about him. At the risk of sounding patronising, he has a Hugh Grant-like affability that’s adorable.
At a few points throughout the short but sweet series, Francis becomes visibly emotional. When an incident causes him to sob uncontrollably in episode 5, England footballer Jesse Lingard is supportive, asking follow-up questions to talk him through his concerns, and offering kind words and reassurance.
Sharing moments with England footballer Jesse Lingard. Source: SBS
“You’re loved, you’re loved.” It’s very touching, not least because it’s clearly unrehearsed. It happened while the camera was rolling, and Lingard stayed with him in the moment. It strikes a chord of sincerity that can be all too rare on television, and it’s not too strong to say it was a beautiful unfolding between two men from completely different worlds.
Because Francis brings his guests to their own happy place (where possible – some funny adjustments must be made, for example for his Love Island participant guest Chloe Burrows) they too get to bring their full attention to something they adore doing. It makes for two big kids playing, and it’s surprisingly sweet and somehow nourishing to see how much fun they’re having. A festive episode with Olympic diver Tom Daley is especially wholesome.
Singing impromptu carols with Tom Daley. Source: SBS
When kicking the ball around Lingard’s childhood playing field, Francis makes a joke about going back to the gym to improve his physique for his girlfriend. Lingard immediately says, “She loves you for you, Francis.” And we end up doing so, too.
If you want to feel good, have a few hearty laughs and walk away feeling lighter and more delighted than you expected a show about trainspotting could leave you feeling, get some face time with Francis. It’ll enrich your day, no doubt about it.
Trainspotting with Francis Bourgeois premieres at 8.30pm, Tuesday 28 February on SBS VICELAND, showing all six episodes back to back. You can also stream the show in full or , at 11–15 minutes each.
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