Former X Factor contestant Gabrielle Carrington denies murdering influencer

Gabrielle Carrington, a former X Factor contestant, has pleaded not guilty to murdering a social media influencer by running her over with a car.

Carrington was initially charged with attempted murder but that was changed to murder after Klaudia Zakrzewska died from her injuries following the alleged incident outside the Inca nightclub in Soho, London, on 19 April.

Carrington is also accused of causing grievous bodily harm with intent to security guard Anoush Chyche.

Appearing at the Old Bailey via videolink from Bronzefield prison on Monday, Carrington, 29, represented herself during the plea hearing.

She entered not guilty pleas to murder and to causing grievous bodily harm with intent. The defendant was not asked to enter a plea to a third charge of driving with excess alcohol.

Judge Sarah Whitehouse KC said she would try the case at the Old Bailey from 5 January 2027. Pre-trial hearings were fixed for 11 August and 9 October this year.

When appearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court earlier this year, Carrington made a heart sign to family and friends as she was remanded in custody.

Carrington, who has more than 365,000 followers on Instagram, made it to the X Factor live finals in 2013 as a member of the trio Miss Dynamix.

(c) Sky News 2026: Former X Factor contestant Gabrielle Carrington denies murdering influencer