Francis Bourgeois taking over TikTok was something nobody saw coming. The same man getting a brand deal with Gucci and North face is something no one saw coming either.
Neither was him getting his own TV show on Channel 4 and having a little cuddle with Jesse Lingard, to be honest.
In case you haven’t seen it, the social media sensation’s popularity has reached such heights that he was recently given his own digital series, Trainspotting with Francis Bourgeois, and in a recent episode, the shy but sincere rail enthusiast had former Manchester United man Jesse Lingard along with him.
Already a somewhat unlikely pairing, those watching were equally taken aback when the two shared a vulnerable and heartwarming moment which saw Lingard comforting an emotional Francis.
Credit: Channel 4 (via YouTube)
The pair met at Warrington Bank Quay station in Lingard’s home town and after a little kickabout, the two embarked on a journey in Class 37’s Mark I carriage along the East Lancashire Railway.
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Following an honest and vulnerable conversation about online abuse, as well as treatment by the public and others within their respective industries, Francis (real name Luke Magnus Nicolson) admits to “getting a bit emotional” after seeing the positive reaction from his fellow trainspotters on their journey.
As well as being able to empathise through his own experience playing professional football, Jesse goes on to reassure him that his content has clearly been making an impact even “halfway across the world” and insists, “you’re loved”. Who’s cutting onions?…
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Finally, after being overwhelmed by the love and support of fans and fellow bashers (those who regularly travel on trains for fun), Francis breaks into tears and the current Nottingham Forest player puts his arm around him. Safe to say people watching at home and on social media were left a little teary-eyed too.
Jesse Lingard giving words of encouragement to Francis Bourgeois about facing his haters is really very wholesome https://t.co/A9VzNR1VHX
Just seen a clip of train enthusiast Francis bourgeois meeting Jesse lingard and spending the day with him I know lingard gets a bad rep quite often but fairplay for him for the way he spoke to Francis throughout it, especially when he got emotional about being bullied
The show which started on 19 October has seen Bourgeois thrown together with all manner of popular personalities including comedian Aisling Bea, rapper AJ Tracey and Eurovision pop star Sam Ryder.
As for his day out with ‘JLingz’, it’s simultaneously the combo we never asked for one of the most wholesome things we’ve seen in ages. Be kind to each other, folks — it’s really that simple.
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You can watch the full clip of Francis Bourgeois’ and Jesse Lingard’s wholesome meeting here:
Gladiators Live Tour to make ‘triumphant’ return to Manchester on UK arena tour
Emily Sergeant
The Gladiators Live Tour will make a triumphant return in 2026.
Following its explosive debut in 2025 and overwhelming fan demand, the Gladiators Live Tour is set to head out on a UK tour later this year, bringing the iconic phenomenon back to arenas nationwide for an electrifying new run of shows, and making a stop off in Manchester, of course.
Audiences will, once again, have the chance to experience the action-packed spectacle featuring the stars of the hit BBC reboot series on an epic scale.
The 2025 live tour thrilled audiences nationwide, selling over 200,000 tickets and proving the arena spectacular is ‘bigger, bolder, and more electrifying’ than ever, and that energy is only set to continue this year when the show returns to Manchester’s popular AO Arena.
GLADIATORS, READY!
Following its epic debut in 2025 the triumphant live show brings the energy to Manchester on 14 & 15 Nov!
This adrenaline-fuelled event sees the legendary Gladiators storm back into the arena to face fearless contenders in a heart-pounding live adaptation of the smash-hit television phenomenon.
Expect iconic fan-favourite events, breathtaking stunts, epic head-to-head battles and the unforgettable Eliminator finale.
Featuring stars from the hit BBC series, audiences are being told to expect a truly immersive, high-octane experience, as arenas are transformed into modern gladiatorial battlegrounds complete with purpose-built sets, spectacular lighting, and cinematic staging.
The Gladiators Live Tour 2026 kicks off in Aberdeen on 10 October, before heading to other major cities like Glasgow, London, and Birmingham, as well as northern locations like Leeds and Newcastle, and of course, Manchester’s AO Arena for two nights on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 November.
Tickets officially go on sale this Friday 27 March, with two shows per day available, and you can grab them when they go live here.
Featured Image – Supplied
TV & Showbiz
Lord of the Rings live in concert is coming to Manchester
Danny Jones
The fellowship is not lost: JRR Tolkien fans are being invited to come along to see the beloved first film in the Lord of the Rings trilogy live in concert here in Manchester.
Undoubtedly, some of the most beautifully shot and, crucially, rousingly scored Hollywood blockbusters in history, the LotR movie soundtracks still remain among the most iconic to this day.
So just imagine how incredible they must be to witness it in the flesh…
Well, that opportunity is just on the horizon, as a live performance of The Fellowship of the Ring by a fully-fledged live band is coming to the city centre’s biggest indoor arena later this year.
Available either as an evening or matinee show, ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of The Ring – In Concert’ arrives this winter at Co-op Live.
Celebrating the 25th anniversary of the iconic Academy Award-winning film, which kick-started a mega franchise both on the big and the small screen nowadays, what better way to toast the date than by rewatching it like never before?
Teaming up with the one and only Hallé – Manchester’s premier orchestra since 1858 – the production will be bringing Howard Shore’s legendary original scores to life in person as they soundtrack the epic motion picture playing behind them.
We’ve got chills just thinking about some of those scenes: the council of Elrond in Rivendell; the ‘Argonath’ passing, that first stunning New Zealand vista as Middle-Earth, and SO many more.
Here’s a sample of what it’s like to hear those instantly recognisable sounds live:
Come on, how incredible is this?
For those looking to attend the Manchester showings of The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of The Ring – In Concert, as always, official Co-op members will be granted early access through the venue’s presale window.
This will open at 10am on Wednesday, 25 March; meanwhile, general admission tickets will then be available from the same time the following Friday (27 Mar).
Danny Jones -
3rd November 2022 
