A former X Factor finalist accused of attempting to murder a social media influencer made a heart sign towards family members as she appeared in court.
Gabrielle Carrington, 29, known online as RIELLEUK, is charged with attempted murder following an incident outside the Inca nightclub on Argyll Street in Soho in the early hours of Sunday.
Westminster Magistrates Court heard Carrington allegedly drove a Mercedes into a group of people at around 4.30am, striking influencer Klaudia Zakrzewska, known as Klaudiaglam, as well as two others.
Prosecutor Rizwan Amin told the court the incident followed an altercation outside the nightclub, which escalated before Carrington returned to her vehicle.
He said the car then “immediately moved off and sharply mounted the pavement”, hitting Ms Zakrzewska and dragging her under the vehicle.
The court heard the vehicle also struck a security guard, Anoush Chyche, who suffered life-changing injuries, and another woman, Latisha Armstrong, who sustained a fractured wrist.
Emergency services were called to the scene, where officers described a chaotic situation with multiple people involved.
Ms Zakrzewska remains in a life-threatening condition in hospital, police have confirmed.
Carrington, who appeared in court wearing grey clothing, stood with her hands on her hips during proceedings and did not enter any pleas.
She was remanded in custody by District Judge Nina Tempia and is due to appear at the Old Bailey on May 19.
As she was led from the dock, Carrington made a heart sign with her hands towards friends and family seated in the public gallery.
The court heard Carrington, who rose to prominence as part of girl group Miss Dynamix on The X Factor in 2013, is also accused of grievous bodily harm with intent, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, dangerous driving and drink driving.
Prosecutors allege she was nearly twice the legal alcohol limit at the time of the incident.
The Crown Prosecution Service said proceedings are ongoing and warned against reporting or sharing material that could prejudice the case.