X Factor 'voting on Facebook'

X Factor fans could soon be able to vote for their favourite contestants on Facebook.

Simon Cowell is apparently in talks with bosses at the social-networking website to set up a system for viewers to cast their votes easily via their computers or phones.

Viewers will be able to buy Facebook credit, similar to that used for gaming, to vote for the acts they want to go through to the next round each week. Phone votes will still be possible.

Simon apparently wants to have the system in place for the launch of The X Factor in the US in the Autumn. However, broadcasting laws in America mean viewers do not have to pay to vote, so the system will be different in the states.

Last year's X Factor final, which was won by 27-year-old Matt Cardle, got more than 15 million phone votes. It is thought using Facebook will attract more votes as the site has 550 million members.