We are well used to a whole host of British Z-listers turning up for a brief camera-shot in the X Factor audience but this year it could turn very A-list. According to The Sun, Hollywood actor Tom Cruise is keen to get in on the X Factor action and has been asking one Mr Louis Walsh all about the show.

Louis met Tom at a party recently and told The Sun: "He was intense and wanted to know all about how it works and what goes on behind the scenes."

It seems unlikely fan Tom has been catching up on previous shows via the internet and just can't wait to hear all those wannabes singing live. Of course, there could be more to it than that.

Louis claims that Cruise was keen to know if he himself would be part of the upcoming US version of the show and, presumably if Walsh was not going to present, whether he could get tickets for the British series. Louis said: "I told him that wouldn't be a problem. We don't have tickets yet but I can't imagine it'd be a problem getting Tom Cruise one." Tom, though, has yet to see the extent of this year's 'talent' so we won't be holding our breath.