Former X Factor finalist Gabrielle Carrington has pleaded not guilty to murdering social media influencer Klaudia Zakrzewska outside a Soho nightclub in April, in a case that has gripped the British entertainment world.
Carrington appeared at the Old Bailey on Monday, August 3, 2026, to enter her plea, choosing to represent herself during the hearing. Wearing a low-cut black outfit with her hair pulled back, she stood before Judge Sarah Whitehouse KC without a barrister.
When asked by the judge if she was comfortable proceeding without legal counsel, Carrington said she did not intend to represent herself for the foreseeable future, but added: 'As I'm not represented, I am happy to give a plea today even though I am not represented.'
During the hearing, Carrington directly interacted with both the judge and prosecutor Crispin Aylett KC, taking handwritten notes on a large pad of paper. Addressing the pivotal choice of who would defend her at trial, she remarked: 'This is my life. This is the toughest decision I have to make.'
Judge Whitehouse formally remanded her into custody and scheduled the trial to begin on January 5, with pre-trial hearings set for August 11 and October 9.
Zakrzewska, a social media influencer, died outside a Soho nightclub in April in an incident that sent shockwaves through London's nightlife and influencer scenes. Details of the alleged murder have been limited by reporting restrictions, but the case has drawn intense media attention given Carrington's profile as a former X Factor finalist.
Carrington rose to fame on the ITV talent show, where her performances made her one of the most talked-about contestants of her series. Her subsequent career in music and media kept her in the public eye, making the murder charge one of the most startling celebrity crime stories of recent years.
The decision to plead not guilty sets up a high-profile trial in the new year. The prosecution, led by Crispin Aylett KC, one of the country's most senior criminal barristers, is expected to present its case over several weeks.
Carrington's choice to appear without a barrister at the plea hearing raised eyebrows among legal observers, though she indicated she would seek representation for the trial itself. Self-representation in serious criminal cases is rare and generally discouraged by judges, given the complexity of the proceedings.
The case continues to develop, with the October 9 pre-trial hearing expected to address case management issues ahead of the January trial. Zakrzewska's family and friends have largely remained private throughout the proceedings.