MADELINE WEST - WEST CAPTURES COWELL'S ROVING EYE

MADELINE WEST is hoping to emulate her fellow ex-NEIGHBOURS stars KYLIE MINOGUE and HOLLY VALANCE by launching a successful pop career - after striking up a firm friendship with POP IDOL judge SIMON COWELL.

The blonde Australian is currently in talks with Cowell's record company BMG after being spotted on the TV soap by the talent contest judge, notorious for his blunt assessments and eye for the ladies.

A record company source says, "Madeline is in talks to sign a deal and Simon is very interested in her."