Mystery as Big George dies at 53

‘Big’ George Webley, the composer of the Have I Got News For You theme tune, has died at the age of 53.

Webley also worked on the music for The Office, One Foot In The Grave and Room 101, amid a – and was also a presenter on BBC London

A statement on his official website said: ‘It is with great sadness we announce the death of Big George Webley.

‘He collapsed at his family home in Milton Keynes. Cause of death cannot be confirmed as we are awaiting the coroner’s report.

‘Our hearts go out to all those who share our loss.’

>Webley previously suffered at heart attack live on air, when he was a presenter at BBC London forerunner GLR in 1996. He finished the show and took the next three years off to fully recover.

BBC London editor David Robey said: ‘Big George lived up to his name in every sense, a larger than life character with a radio personality to match. He was a truly distinctive broadcaster who will be terribly missed by his many devoted listeners and his colleagues.’

Here is an extended version of his Have I Got News For You theme.

Published: 10 May 2011