Journos rapped for Osama-themed 'Amarillo'

BBC bosses have criticised corporation journalists who made a spoof of (Is This The Way To) Amarillo with references to Osama Bin Laden.

The remake, along the lines of Peter Kay's video to the hit, also makes jokes about the war in the Middle East. BBC News staff put it together to mark the leaving of Simon Torkington, an assistant editor, to Al-Jazeera.

Staff from the corporation are seen dancing in head-dresses and fake beards as clips of gas-marked soldiers, tanks and explosions are played behind them. It was reportedly played to guests at Torkington's leaving party last week.

BBC chiefs said those involved would be questioned over the "ill-judged" film. A spokesman told The Sun: "The BBC was unaware of the nature of the content of this private and informal video as it was being made.

"A spoof of the well-known and much-parodied music video for Amarillo, this unofficial film is within the tradition of a teasing farewell to a departing colleague. "It was made by his friends in their spare time and hastily put together. It was always intended solely for private viewing.

"Nevertheless, we think it was ill-judged, and we will be speaking with those involved and learning the lessons that need to be learned."