Spoiler alert - This article reveals details from The Celebrity Traitors conclusion
Over the course of the show, viewers witnessed murders, betrayals, serious side-eye, and a memorable moment that cut through all tension.
However on the final evening, the ultimate victor of the inaugural Celebrity Traitors was revealed.
From 19 contestants, only five remained: Deceivers and faithfuls facing off for the prize.
Before long, the field narrowed to only three contenders: the final players.
Ultimately, funny man Alan Carr was crowned the winner, in a shocking result that broke the internet and left him emotional.
"This has been destroying me, my apologies," he exclaimed, revealing to the other players that he was actually one of the deceivers. "I'm an awful human being."
"You did brilliantly," they comforted him. "Everything's fine."
Online platforms quickly erupted with the news. "Most awful traitor ever being the most effective player," commented a viewer.
"There could not have been a better conclusion," wrote a different person, while a third described it as "the TV moment of the year."
The organization he selected, Neuroblastoma UK, gets to keep all the prize money, with the total amount reaching eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.
The comedian's evolution from comic relief to strategic player was one of the standout highlights of the season.
However, his victory still left the nation in shock, according to entertainment reporters.
"The idea of Alan, among everyone, executing an expert performance in deceit felt just as probable as him maintaining a straight face through his comedy routines."
On subsequent discussions, the other contestants explained why no one had ever really suspected him.
"He might have come down to the morning meal in a green cloak and I still wouldn't have thought he was a traitor. I was too busy laughing," one participant said.
"The majority didn't target him because how can you vote for a person so charming?" questioned a different contestant.
The winner stated he had "absolutely loved" his time on the show.
"I'd like to do it again... I doubt it would be successful a second time!"
Thursday evening's episode was extended to over an hour on television. There was a different start than typical episodes, as all the celebs knew who'd make it at the breakfast table.
Viewers heard some very uplifting, and very un-Traitors-esque soundtrack, as the episode revisited key scenes from every remaining player's time in the castle.
As ever, Alan Carr provided some of the most memorable lines.
"Let's face it, I started this game a bit of a nervous wreck. I've betrayed close allies to save myself, I've eliminated beloved figures openly. I'm clearly more deceptive and player than I thought."
Meanwhile, a different player commented that being in the final was "way more stressful than playing for a national team", while another said he was "totally surprised" to have lasted this long.
In the beginning in the episode, various contestants seemed to be attempting to become the new style icon of the competition, replacing an earlier departed fashionable contestant.
The winner appeared at the morning meal looking like a 1950s US chat show host in patterned burgundy attire, later switching into a bejewelled white suit.
However, he got outstyled by another contestant's burgundy formal wear. Impressive style.
Following this was the challenge, with the final players getting on board a train named - of course - The Deceivers' Railway.
The challenge involved ripping up portraits of former contestants. Spare a thought for one participant who was hit in the head multiple times by the cover of a substantial container.
Before long, it was time for the elimination discussion.
The deceivers made a pact beforehand, vowing to support each other. "We've come a long way, I'm not going to throw him under a bus," said one, while the other just giggled.
However, one adhered to his promise. Yet, having slipped unnoticed for most of the game, their partner still got the most votes.
The last deceiver looked like to be experiencing significant distress to be the last traitor standing. "Now I'm on my own, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, a rudderless ship."
Online platforms and viewers were similarly upset.
"I did NOT want this contestant to be eliminated. A truly loveable traitor," commented a commentator.
"Your legacy will remain in the show's legacy," wrote a different viewer.
However, there remained little opportunity to focus on their elimination. Soon, they were at the endgame - which was the moment everyone anticipated.
The final four gathered around the fire pit. And the alliance collapsed, precisely when it mattered the most, in an absolutely shocking development.
One contestant was painfully banished - following a surprising decision from their ally, who betrayed them.
"This pains me to be betrayed at the final moment like that," said the ousted contestant. Subsequently, it was revealed that when they message, the eliminated contestant refers to their former ally as a traitor.
Finally, only three contestants remained in the game: the last participants.
One player, appearing quite pleased, voted to end the competition. The same decision was made by a different player, and it all came down to the final participant, who made the identical choice - resulting in the deceiver was the winner.
According to commentators, the scene where remaining contestants consoled the winner was "beautiful TV". "I predict it will be a contender for memorable moment at next year's awards," they commented.
Fortunately, the winner quickly regained composure from his bout of tears, and could finally appreciate his victory.
"Such an emotional journey. I was awful at lying, my expressions gave me away and here I am a winner," the winner said.
And he even joked about that infamous murder - his best friend during the initial stages - by reaching over the presenter in the concluding moments and making contact.
"You've got something on your face," he said, with his characteristic laugh.
The last few weeks of famous people scheming, plotting and the occasional surprising incidents may seem like a bizarre fantasy. Yet it actually all happen. And we will miss it.
A seasoned gaming enthusiast with over a decade of experience in lottery analysis and casino reviews.
