Adolf Hitler PIC: PA Wire

X Factor supremo Simon Cowell Adolf and Hitler might not seem to have too much in common at all.

Cheryl Cole and Simon Cowell during the 2011 National Television Awards at the O2 Arena, London. Photo: Yui Mok/PA Wire

One brainwashed a nation with fiery rhetoric which eventually brought about the near-collapse of his country, whereas the other loves animals – especially trick dogs on Britain’s Got Talent.

But Cowell and Hitler have topped a poll to find the most recognisable faces in history.

And there the comparisons end.

The leader of the Third Reich sent the world up in flames by triggering the Second World War.

Meanwhile, Simon Cowell helped launched Olly Murrs and Joe McElderry onto the UK.

A survey of 1,000 adults found 943 could identify the X Factor supremo, one less than the 944 who named Hitler from his picture.

The poll, commissioned by television channel Yesterday to mark the launch of its series Museum Secrets, was less kind to Lady Gaga who was recognised by 705 people.

That put the eccentric - and much photographed - singer below figures including Henry VIII, Queen Victoria and Margaret Thatcher in the poll carried out by market research firm www.onepoll.com.