Former Beauty and the Geek contestant pleads not guilty to murder

A former Beauty and the Geek contestant accused of murdering her partner has denied the allegation and has flagged a potential mental health defence, a court has heard.

Warning: This story contains content some readers may find distressing.

Tamika Chesser today appeared in the Adelaide Magistrates Court and entered not guilty pleas to murdering Julian Story and destroying his remains to pervert the course of justice.

A lawyer for Ms Chesser told the court that investigations were underway into the 35-year-old's mental competence.

Mr Story's dismembered body was found in the couple's unit at Port Lincoln, on Eyre Peninsula, in June last year after emergency services responded to reports of a fire.

The body of Julian Story, who was allegedly murdered, was found last year. (Supplied: SAPOL)

The 39-year-old's head was found by a member of the public in scrubland east of the town in July, and was confirmed to belong to Mr Story in September.

Ms Chesser was a contestant on the television show Beauty and the Geek in 2010.

She has been housed in secure forensic mental health facility James Nash House since her arrest.

Ms Chesser will next appear in the Supreme Court for arraignment later this year.