X Factor finalist accused of murdering rival influencer during alleged road rage incident requests to change lawyers

Published: 16:17, 11 August 2026 | Updated: 16:18, 11 August 2026 An X Factor finalist accused of murdering a rival influencer during an alleged road rage incident has requested to change her lawyers. Gabrielle Precious Carrington, 29, known online as 'Rielleuk', allegedly ran over TikTok and Instagram star Klaudia 'Klaudiaglam' Zakrzewska, 32, outside a nightclub in Soho in April this year. Polish-born Klaudia, who boasted an online following of nearly 260,000 on Instagram, died in hospital six days later. Two other pedestrians, Anoush Chyche, in his 50s, and Latisha Armstrong, in her 30s, were also injured during the incident in the early hours of April 19 this year. Mr Chyche suffered what prosecutors describe as 'life-changing injuries'.  Carrington took the witness box at the Old Bailey on Tuesday to explain to a judge why she is seeking to transfer legal aid. The application, initially refused by Judge Simon Mayo KC, was reviewed in light of a letter from Carrington's existing lawyers. Judge Sarah Whitehouse told Carrington transferring legal aid was, at this stage of the proceedings, a huge expense to the public purse and wanted assurance that it 'would not happen again'. Gabrielle Precious Carrington (pictured), 29, allegedly ran over TikTok and Instagram star Klaudia 'Klaudiaglam' Zakrzewska, 32, outside a nightclub in Soho in April this year Pictured: Klaudia 'Klaudiaglam' Zakrzewska who boasted an online following of nearly 260,000 on Instagram, she died in hospital six days after she was mown down  But James Scobie, a leading criminal barrister Carrington wants to defend her, is not available for this trial. Carrington said: 'I definitely don't want to represent myself.' Judge Whitehouse said: 'As the saying goes, only a fool represents himself in court, and I don't think you are a fool.' The judge granted her seven days to transfer legal aid to Bark & Co on the condition that Carrington returns to the Old Bailey in a week's time to confirm her position. She will next appear on August 19 for further case management. Carrington, of Manchester, has more than 365,000 followers on Instagram and made it to the X Factor live finals in 2013 as one of the members of the girl group Miss Dynamix.  The group were eliminated in week three of the competition.  She has denied murder and causing grievous bodily harm with intent. The trial is due to begin on January 5.   Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.