X Factor finalist on Soho attempted murder charge makes heart sign from dock

A former X Factor finalist accused of attempting to murder a social media influencer by hitting her with a car in central London has appeared in court for the first time.

Gabrielle Carrington, 29, allegedly tried to kill Klaudia Zakrzewska at 4.30am outside a nightclub on Argyll Street, Soho , on Sunday.

She is accused of dangerous driving, being nearly twice the drink drive limit and causing injuries to two other people struck by her Mercedes.

At Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, Carrington, dressed in grey, stood with her hands on her hips as District Judge Nina Tempia remanded her in custody.

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Carrington, 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.

Ms Zakrzewska, who is in her 30s, is a TikTok and Instagram influencer who goes by the name ‘Klaudiaglam’.

She remains in a life-threatening condition in hospital, the Metropolitan Police said on Monday evening.

The judge ordered that Carrington is held in prison until the next court hearing at the Old Bailey on May 19.

Carrington was seen making a heart sign to her friends and family in the packed public gallery as she was led out of the dock.

Family and friends for Ms Zakrzewska also attended the court hearing.

Footage of the incident circulating online shows a woman getting into a black car before it surges forward, striking Ms Zakrzewska who goes under the vehicle.

Carrington, of Broadfield Road, Manchester, has been charged with attempted murder , causing grievous bodily harm with intent, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, dangerous driving and drink driving.

She did not enter any pleas during Tuesday’s court hearing.

According to the charges, Carrington is accused of grievous bodily harm to security guard Anoush Chyche, a man in his 50s, who was also struck by the car and is said to have suffered “life-changing injuries”.

She is accused of assault occasioning actual bodily harm against Latisha Armstrong, a third person hit by the car, and it is alleged she had 61 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath when tested.

After the charges were announced, David Malone, deputy chief crown prosecutor for the CPS in London North, said: “We remind all concerned that proceedings against the defendant are active and that she has the right to a fair trial.

“It is vital that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”