Simon Cowell has revealed that he hopes to land David Bowie as a guest star on next year’s X Factor series.

Cowell told NME: “I’m thinking we should do something for David Bowie. I think that would be good. Just because he’s a great songwriter.”

He also said that he had extended an invitation to rap stars Eminem and Dr Dre to appear as guest mentors on the 2010 series.

Cowell said: “I’d love to have them on as guest judges on a theme which would make them comfortable.

“I’ve extended the invitation to Eminem already. What did he say? I don’t know yet.”