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Trainspotter TikTok sensation Francis Bourgeois is set to chase his childhood dream of becoming an astronaut in a brand new Channel 4 show. In the two-part series, Mission to Space with Francis Bourgeois, he trains as an astronaut with one of the leading companies in commercial space flight, and under the guidance of Tim Peake.

The star of the show is best known for his viral TikToks and Instagram videos capturing his pure, childlike joy while trainspotting, often using a fisheye lens to show his ecstatic reactions to passing locomotives. Since becoming a hit on social media, Francis has moved on to more mainstream shows and collaborations. But the unique internet star still has people wondering who really is Francis Bourgeois and is his persona all an act? Back in 2021, Francis himself shared an explanation for his demeanor in his excitable videos.

Speaking to the camera, he said: "I've seen that people have been doubting my authenticity and that I am actually a train-spotter, mainly because of images from when I was younger. I'd like to take you back to that time."

He then shared some snaps of when he was in high school as he explained that his favourite thing to do when he got home was to play with his model railway.

Francis added that he decided to change his look to "fit in more at school" and also ended up selling his toy train set "to fund a gyn membership."

He continued: "But it wasn't me and it wasn't making me happy at all. Lockdown happened, my hair grew out and I reclaimed my love for trains through my videos.

"And honestly, running down platforms and chasing trains really feels like the shackles are off and I feel finally free.

"I've met so many friends and honestly, life is so much more pure now that I have reconnected with my passion."

Despite the explanation, there is one thing that is fake about Francis - his name. He is actually called Luke Nicolson, but decided to go by a pseudonym online to help maintain some privacy in his life off-screen.

He previously shared that his online name is inspired by artist Louise Bourgeois, with "Francis" added because he enjoys France and French trains.