'X Factor' finalist Gabrielle Carrington denies murder of influencer outside Soho nightclub

Former X Factor finalist Gabrielle Carrington has denied murdering social media influencer Klaudia Glam after she was allegedly struck by a car outside a Soho nightclub in London.

Carrington, 29, also known as Rielle UK appeared at the Old Bailey by videolink from Bronzefield prison on Monday and pleaded not guilty to murder and causing grievous bodily harm with intent to security guard Anoush Chyche.

Carrington is accused of striking the influencer, whose real name is Klaudia Zakrzewska, with a car outside the Inca nightclub on Argyll Street at about 4.30am on April 19.

Ms Zakrzewska later died from her injuries in hospital on April 25.

The court heard that Carrington allegedly became involved in an altercation before getting back into her vehicle and driving away, mounting the pavement and striking Ms Zakrzewska.

The car is also alleged to have hit Mr Chyche, who suffered “life-changing injuries”.

Carrington was initially charged with attempted murder before the charge was changed following Ms Zakrzewska’s death.

She also faces a charge relating to driving with excess alcohol but was not asked to enter a plea to that allegation.

During Monday’s hearing, Carrington represented herself and told Judge Sarah Whitehouse KC that she did not want to remain without legal representation “for the foreseeable”.

She added, “As I’m not represented, I am happy to give a plea today even though I am not represented.”

Discussing her eventual legal representation, Carrington said, “This is my life. This is the toughest decision I have to make.”

Judge Whitehouse confirmed the trial will take place at the Old Bailey from January 5, with further pre-trial hearings scheduled for August 11 and October 9.

Carrington reached the X Factor live finals in 2013 as a member of Miss Dynamix and has more than 365,000 Instagram followers.

Ms Zakrzewska was a TikTok and Instagram influencer known online as Klaudiaglam.