Francis Bourgeois has revealed that he wore high heels while reversing a trailer into a bay and trying not to knock eggs off cones during his audition for The Grand Tour. The 26-year-old, known for his trainspotting videos, will take over the motoring show on Prime Video with fellow newcomers Thomas Holland and James Engelsman next month.
Unusual Audition Process
Speaking to Radio Times, Bourgeois said the producers employed unusual methods before offering them the job. “It was about putting us in tricky situations and seeing how we worked together,” he explained. “I was trying to show off my best form, but what shone through was that we were having a brilliant time, and that’s what ultimately got us cast.”
The audition also tested their knowledge of car parts. “We were shown images of car parts – a panel, the rear quarter, a wheel – and had to say what car it was. I nailed that,” Bourgeois said. “It showed my car enthusiasm is as deeply wired as my railway enthusiasm. We’re not doing this because it’s a good gig, we’re doing it because we love cars.”
Staying Grounded
Despite the likelihood of becoming a household name, Bourgeois intends to keep his daily routine unchanged. “I’ll still get the train everywhere,” he said. “I’ll still go to the John Lewis café and feed crows with (girlfriend) Amy. I’m very grateful for what’s about to happen, but I don’t anticipate changing my day-to-day life.”
Bourgeois rose to fame during lockdown when he began making train videos with his brother. He encourages others to embrace their quirks: “There are many people who feel that sense of social conformity. I wish for anyone who feels the need to hide something to embrace it, because owning your quirks is ultimately the coolest thing.”
His passion led to an internship at Rolls-Royce and now a major TV role. The new series of The Grand Tour streams exclusively on Prime Video.
