Simon Cowell has admitted that he has put girls through to the next round on his X Factor shows because they were "cute".

However, it's not just him that does it - female judges have done the same with boys, he said.

Cowell is quoted by The Sun as admitting that flirting is okay on the X Factor if you're single - and added that putting people through due to looks is "just the way of the world". He said:

"If you are single, you can flirt. We've definitely put girls through because they are cute, in the same way the girls put guys through – it's just the way of the world."

Simon Cowell meanwhile was recently narrowly beaten by Nazi leader Adolf Hitler in a quest to find the most recognisable face in the world.

In a poll which saw 1000 members of the public asked to recognise pictures of famous faces, Cowell came second to Hitler by only one person.