A former contestant from the X Factor reality show has refuted allegations of causing the death of a social media personality by hitting her with a car in central London.

Gabrielle Carrington, aged 29, reportedly collided with Klaudia Zakrzewska, aged 32, outside the Inca nightclub on Argyll Street, Soho, at 4:30 am on April 19.

Initially accused of attempted murder, Carrington, residing on Broadfield Road in Manchester, now faces a murder charge following the passing of Ms. Zakrzewska on April 25 due to her injuries.

During a plea hearing at the Old Bailey on Monday, Carrington, appearing via videolink from Bronzefield prison, chose to represent herself without legal counsel.

Despite expressing reluctance to self-represent in the future, Carrington agreed to proceed with entering a plea unrepresented. She pleaded not guilty to the murder charge and a separate charge of causing grievous bodily harm with intent to security guard Anoush Chyche. Another charge of driving with excess alcohol was not addressed during the hearing.

Regarding her representation for the trial, Carrington emphasized the weight of the decision, stating, “This is my life. This is the toughest decision I have to make.”

The trial, presided over by Judge Sarah Whitehouse, is scheduled to commence on January 5 at the Old Bailey, with pre-trial hearings set for August 11 and October 9.

Throughout the hearing, Carrington engaged directly with the judge and prosecutor Crispin Aylett KC, taking notes on a large pad of paper.

Judge Whitehouse remanded Carrington into custody but instructed her presence at the next hearing at the Old Bailey.

The defendant, known for her Instagram presence under the handle RIELLEUK with over 365,000 followers, rose to fame as part of the X Factor live finals in 2013 with Miss Dynamix. Described as a social media influencer known for frequent visits to the United Arab Emirates, she is now entangled in legal proceedings.

Ms. Zakrzewska, recognized as a TikTok and Instagram influencer under the alias Klaudiaglam, tragically lost her life in the incident.