One of the UK's most closely followed criminal cases of the year has taken another significant step after former X Factor finalist Gabrielle Carrington pleaded not guilty to the murder of influencer Klaudia Zakrzewska.The 29-year-old appeared via video link at the Old Bailey, where she denied murdering Zakrzewska, who was known to thousands online as Klaudiaglam. Carrington also pleaded not guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent to security guard Anoosh Chaichy, who was seriously injured during the same incident.

The charges relate to the early hours of 19 April outside the Inca nightclub in Soho, central London. Prosecutors allege that after an altercation outside the venue, a Mercedes mounted the pavement and struck both Zakrzewska and Chaichy.

Zakrzewska suffered catastrophic injuries and died in hospital on 25 April, six days after the collision. Chyche, who was working security at the nightclub that night, survived but sustained serious injuries. Carrington denies all allegations against her.

Videos filmed outside the nightclub began circulating across social media within hours of the collision, with clips capturing the moments before the incident, the fatal crash itself and the chaotic aftermath. As the footage spread across platforms, millions followed the case in real time, with online speculation growing long before many of the facts had been established in court.

Despite months of reporting and several court appearances, one key question remains unanswered publicly: what sparked the events that unfolded outside the nightclub? While prosecutors have alleged the collision followed a confrontation, the exact cause of that dispute has not been disclosed in court.

According to the prosecution, Carrington arrived on Argyll Street before becoming involved in an argument that escalated, with several people reportedly drawn into the incident as security staff intervened. It is alleged that she then returned to her vehicle before mounting the pavement, striking Zakrzewska. Prosecutors further allege that security guard Anoosh Chaichy was also struck. The court has heard that, as the vehicle reversed, Zakrzewska was left beneath the car before coming to rest on the ground.

During the hearing, Carrington appeared emotional as proceedings unfolded, at times becoming tearful while appearing via video link at the Old Bailey from Bronzefield prison. Carrington represented herself during the plea hearing. Inside the courtroom, the emotional toll of the case was also evident among those attending. Family members of Klaudia Zakrzewska were seen shaking their heads as Carrington entered her not guilty pleas, underscoring the continuing impact the case has had on those closest to the influencer more than a year after her death.

While much of the public attention has understandably focused on the influencer's death, security guard Anoosh Chaichy is also alleged to have been struck during the incident. Carrington has pleaded not guilty to causing him grievous bodily harm with intent.

Carrington, who first came to public attention through The X Factor, remains in custody ahead of trial. The case is scheduled to be heard at the Old Bailey in January 2027, where a jury will determine the allegations against her.