Carrington appeared in court from prison via video link

A former X Factor finalist has denied murdering a social media influencer by running her over with a car in central London.

Gabrielle Carrington of Manchester, allegedly struck Klaudia Zakrzewska outside Inca nightclub in Argyll Street, Soho, at 04:30 BST on 19 April.

The 29-year-old appeared at the Old Bailey by video link from Bronzefield prison to deny the charge. She had been initially charged with attempted murder but that was changed to murder after Zakrzewska died from her injuries six days later.

Carrington, who was not represented in court by a barrister, also denied a second charge of causing grievous bodily harm with intent to security guard Anoush Chyche.

The defendant was not asked to enter a plea to a third charge of driving with excess alcohol.

Family members of the victims shook their heads as the accused read out her pleas.

Judge Sarah Whitehouse KC confirmed the trial would be held at the same court from 5 January.

Carrington appeared emotional on the video link, wiping tears from her face throughout the hearing and was placed into custody afterwards.

Gabrielle Carrington denies murder and a second charge of causing grievous bodily harm with intent

Carrington allegedly arrived in Argyll Street in her car and appeared to have a row with a male as she got out of the vehicle. The altercation escalated as more people became involved, prompting security to intervene.

She allegedly got back into the car and moved off, sharply mounting the pavement, striking Zakrzewska.

The vehicle went on to strike Chyche, who was on the pavement, it is claimed.

As it reversed, Zakrzewska could be seen under the vehicle lying prone on the ground.

Zakrzewska died later in hospital and Chyche, in his 50s, suffered "life-changing injuries".

Klaudia Zakrzewska had more than 270,000 followers on Instagram

The defendant, who has more than 365,000 followers on Instagram under the handle RIELLEUK, made it to the X Factor live finals in 2013 as one of the three members of Miss Dynamix.

She was described in court as a social media influencer who made regular trips to the United Arab Emirates.

Zakrzewska, who was in her 30s, was a TikTok and Instagram influencer who went by the name Klaudiaglam.

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HM Courts & Tribunals Service