BBC 'expert' was job applicant

As an expert commentator, he seemed strangely lacking in relevant comment. Viewers of the BBC's News 24 channel listened intently to the 'Internet music analyst' enlisted to explain the implications of the court judgment involving Apple Computers and Apple Records. But his replies left them more confused than ever.

Last night it became clear why. It was a case of . . . wrong Guy. Instead of ushering Guy Kewney, editor of Newswireless.net, into the studio, a producer sent to find him in reception brought up Guy Goma, who had only turned up at Television Centre for a job interview.

First reports of the mix-up suggested the mystery man was a taxi driver, waiting for a fare. But last night he was revealed as a university graduate from the Congo, waiting to be interviewed for a job as a 'data support cleanser', an IT assistant who removes files from computers.

Mr Goma admitted yesterday that his unexpected TV appearance was 'stressful' and he had wondered why the questions seemed of little relevance to the job.

But, keen to impress his prospective bosses, he had decided to rise to whatever interview challenge they could throw at him.

The channel had intended to ask Kewney about the impact of the Apple vs Apple judgment, that Apple Computers could continue to use the apple symbol for its iTunes download service.

A producer was despatched to fetch the expert upstairs - but went to the wrong reception in the West London offices. After being pointed in Mr Goma's direction by a receptionist, he asked: 'Are you Guy Kewney?'

Mr Goma, perhaps mishearing, said he was and was promptly whisked up to the studio. Business presenter Karen Bowerman was suspicious and managed to get a message to the editor, but it was too late to call off the interview and Mr Goma was asked three questions live on air.

Assuming he was in his interview, a look of mild panic crossed his face as Miss Bowerman asked: 'Were you surprised by this verdict today?' He managed to reply: 'I am very surprised to see . . . this verdict come on me because I was not expecting that. When I came they told me something else and I am coming. So a big surprise anyway.'

Miss Bowerman continued: 'With regards to the costs involved do you think now more people will be downloading online?'