After multiple episodes of tension, plots and sabotage, Celebrity Traitors has reached a nail-biting end
Spoiler alert - This article discloses details from Celebrity Traitors conclusion
Over the course of the show, viewers witnessed murders, double-crosses, intense glares, and a memorable moment that pierced the overwhelming suspense.
However on Thursday night, the ultimate victor of the inaugural Celebrity Traitors was revealed.
Out of nineteen participants, just a handful remained: Traitors and loyal players facing off for the prize.
Soon, the field narrowed to just three: the final players.
Ultimately, funny man Alan Carr was crowned the winner, in a shocking outcome that went viral and left him emotional.
"This has been destroying me, I'm so sorry," he exclaimed, revealing to the other players that he'd always been a traitor. "I feel terrible about this."
"You played amazingly," they consoled him. "Everything's fine."
Online platforms immediately exploded with the news. "Most awful traitor ever being the best traitor ever," wrote one user.
"There could not have been a more iconic ending," wrote another, while a third called it "the TV moment of the year."
His chosen charity, Neuroblastoma UK, gets to keep all the prize money, with the final pot amounting to £87,500.
The comedian's evolution from giggle liability to cold-hearted killer was among the most memorable aspects of the series.
However, his victory still shocked viewers in shock, as noted by industry observers.
"The idea of Alan, of all people, executing an expert performance in deceit felt just as probable as him keeping a straight face through his comedy routines."
During follow-up conversations, fellow players summed up why no one had ever really suspected him.
"Alan could have appeared to the morning meal in traitor attire and I wouldn't have believed he was deceiving us. I was too busy laughing," one participant said.
"Most people didn't vote for him because how can you eliminate someone who is so loveable?" questioned another celebrity.
The winner stated he had "thoroughly enjoyed" his time on the show.
"I want to do it again... I don't think it would be successful again!"
Thursday evening's episode was lengthened to 70 minutes on the network. There was a different start than typical episodes, as every celebrity were aware who'd make it at the breakfast table.
Viewers heard some very uplifting, and very un-Traitors-esque music, as the episode revisited some moments from each of the finalists' experience in the game.
True to form, the comedian gave us unforgettable quotes.
"To be honest, I began this game a bit of a nervous wreck. I've thrown some really good friends to save myself, I've eliminated beloved figures in plain sight. I'm clearly a better liar and traitor than I believed."
At the same time, another contestant noted that reaching the conclusion was "way more stressful than playing for a national team", while someone else said he was "totally surprised" to have made it so far.
Early on in the episode, several players seemed to be making a bid to become the fashion standout of the castle, taking over from the previously eliminated style leader.
Carr emerged at breakfast resembling a 1950s US chat show host in a checked maroon suit, before changing into a bejewelled white suit.
But he was out-jacketted by a fellow player's maroon velvet tuxedo. Impressive style.
Following this was the challenge, with the final players boarding a train named - naturally - The Deceivers' Railway.
This task involved destroying portraits of former contestants. Spare a thought for a player who was hit on the head THREE times by the cover of a heavy wooden box.
Soon after, it was time for the roundtable.
The deceivers made a pact beforehand, vowing to support each other. "We've progressed significantly, I won't throw him under a bus," stated a player, while their partner just giggled.
However, one adhered to his promise. Yet, managing to stay unnoticed for the majority of the competition, their partner still got the most votes.
The remaining traitor looked like he was in a world of pain to be the final deceiver remaining. "Being alone, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, without direction."
Social media and viewers were similarly upset.
"I hoped against this contestant to be eliminated. A truly loveable traitor," said a commentator.
"You will forever be remembered in the show's legacy," posted another user.
But there was little opportunity to dwell on their elimination. Before long, the game reached the final stage - this being the moment everyone anticipated.
The final four stood over the ceremonial fire. Meanwhile, the partnership collapsed, just when it was most crucial, in a truly WTF moment.
One contestant was eliminated in dramatic fashion - following a surprising decision from their ally, who betrayed them.
"It hurts to be betrayed at the final moment like that," said the ousted contestant. Later, we learned that when they message, the eliminated contestant calls their former ally as a traitor.
Finally, only three contestants remained in the game: the final trio.
One player, looking incredibly smug, voted to end the game. So did another, and everything depended on the third, who did the same - resulting in the deceiver was the winner.
For observers, the scene where the other players consoled the winner was "compelling television". "I predict it could be in the running for memorable moment at next year's awards," they commented.
Happily, the winner soon recovered from his bout of tears, and was able to enjoy the moment.
"Such an emotional journey. I was awful at lying, I had no poker face and here I am the champion," he said.
And he even made light of the memorable elimination - his best friend during the initial stages - by reaching over the presenter in the final scene and touching her cheek.
"You've got something on your face," he said, with his characteristic laugh.
The last few weeks of famous people scheming, plotting and sometimes unexpected moments may feel like one big crazy jumbled dream. But it really did all happen. And we will miss it.
