BBC forced to apologise for 'disgusting' error over late music legend: 'He deserved better'

Fenton had worked on over 100 films, famously provided scores for Gandhi, Dangerous Liaisons, Groundhog Day, You've Got Mail, Sweet Home Alabama, and Hitch.

They paid tribute to Fenton by playing Benson’s 1987 song Nature Boy.

The mistake didn’t go unnoticed by composer David Arnold, known for his work on five of the James Bond films, who raged that his friend had “deserved better”.

The BBC apologised for their mistake over late composer George Fenton

PA Archive

The Grammy Award winner posted: "Radio 2 announced the passing of George Fenton on the 11pm news tonight, immediately followed by the presenter playing 'Nature Boy' by George Benson in tribute to 'George Benson'.

Arnold said Fenton was "such a great person as well as a genius composer" and stated that he "deserved better than that from the company he gave voice to musically on so many brilliant occasions".

Radio 2 apologised in a statement to Radio Today, clarifying: "This was a production error, for which we apologise."

Listeners shared their disappointment on social media, with one writing: "Really? Do better, folks. Does no one check things anymore?"

"BBC Verify obviously out for lunch," another added and a third posted: “Disgusting mistake to make. Shame on the BBC.”

They mixed him up with US singer George Benson

AFP/Getty

Fenton’s team said after his death: “We are sad to announce that George Fenton passed away unexpectedly today.

“He is survived by his loving wife Amanda, ex-wife Jane, children Gemma, Grace and Bridget, and grandchildren Lola, Audrey, Alfred, George, Frank, Beatrice, and a life of music.”

A slew of famous faces paid tribute to him, including actor Anthony Hopkins, who wrote on Instagram: "George possessed an extraordinary musical gift, but what I will remember just as deeply was his generosity.

"He could have spoken to me as the accomplished composer he was. Instead, he spoke to me as a friend. He encouraged rather than instructed.

“He gave me confidence when I had very little of my own. I have never forgotten that kindness, and I never will. George, my dear friend, thank you for believing in the music before I had the courage to believe in it myself."

The National Theatre added: "We are deeply saddened to learn of the death of composer George Fenton.

"Acclaimed for his majestic and narrative-driven orchestral scores spanning film, television and theatre, George will be hugely missed not only for his extraordinary music but the warmth and artistic teamwork he brought to every project, making him such a joy to work with. Our thoughts go out to George's family and friends at this sad time."