THE man interviewed on the BBC's 24-hour news channel after being mistaken for a computer expert was at Television Centre for a job interview, it emerged today.

Guy Goma was confused with technology expert Guy Kewney in reception at the BBC's west London offices and found himself being questioned on the legal battle between the Beatles' Apple Corps and Apple Computer over the use of an apple symbol.

* Watch the Guy Goma interview on BBC Online.

Mr Goma went on to his job interview after his inpromptu appearance on live TV on Monday, May 8.

He had found himself being ushered into a studio and fitted with a microphone after raising his hand when a producer called out the name of technology expert Guy Kewney.

Mix-up

Only when BBC consumer affairs correspondent Karen Bowerman announced live on air the name and title of the man who should have been there and asked the first question did Mr Goma realise there had been a mix-up.

With an expression of shock on his face, he replied he was "very surprised" when asked by Ms Bowerman if he was surprised at the High Court verdict.

Interviewed intentionally today on BBC News 24, Mr Goma said he had been "very shocked" when he realised he was live on air and had wondered: "Oh dear, what am I doing here?"

Of usurping the computer expert's slot on the rolling news channel, he said: "I just want to say I'm sorry I came on for him."

Screen

The real Guy Kewney was watching BBC News 24 in a reception area while waiting to be interviewed when he was amazed to see "Guy Kewney" appear on the screen.

Mr Kewney, an IT journalist and founder of newswireless.net, watched Mr Goma gamely attempting to answer questions fired at him by Ms Bowerman.

Today, Mr Kewney said he had thought "Good God, what's going on, there can't be two Guy Kewneys" when he saw his own name flash up under the stranger on the screen.

A BBC spokeswoman said: "Unfortunately we did make a mistake and the wrong person was interviewed briefly on air before we cut to our reporter.

Waiting

"We apologise to viewers for any confusion."

The BBC confirmed Mr Goma had been at Television Centre for a job interview and after his unscheduled appearance on live television, he went on to his official interview.

Mr Goma said he really wanted to work for the company, but was still waiting to hear how the interview had gone.

A BBC spokesman was unable to comment on whether Mr Goma had secured the position.

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