Following multiple episodes of tension, schemes and sabotage, The Celebrity Traitors concludes with a thrilling end
Spoiler alert - This article discloses details from Celebrity Traitors conclusion
Throughout the season, viewers witnessed murders, double-crosses, intense glares, and an unforgettable incident that pierced the overwhelming tension.
Yet on Thursday night, the ultimate victor of the first celebrity edition emerged triumphant.
From nineteen participants, just a handful remained: Deceivers and loyal players competing for the winnings.
Soon, the competition tightened to just three: the remaining contestants.
Ultimately, comedian Alan Carr emerged as the winner, in a shocking result that broke the internet and made him tearful.
"It's been tearing me apart, I'm so sorry," he declared, revealing to the remaining faithfuls that he'd always been one of the deceivers. "I feel terrible about this."
"You did brilliantly," they comforted him. "It's all right."
Social media immediately exploded with this development. "The worst deceiver being the most effective player," wrote a viewer.
"It couldn't have been a better conclusion," stated another, while someone else described it as "the television highlight 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.
Alan Carr's transformation from giggle liability to strategic player was one of the standout highlights of the series.
However, his victory still shocked viewers surprised, as noted by industry observers.
"The idea of Alan, among everyone, pulling off 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 truly doubted him.
"Alan could have come down to breakfast in traitor attire and I wouldn't have believed he was deceiving us. His humor distracted me," a player said.
"Most people didn't vote for him because how does one eliminate someone who is so loveable?" asked another celebrity.
The winner stated he had "absolutely loved" his experience with the show.
"I want to participate once more... I don't think it would be successful a second time!"
Thursday evening's installment was extended to over an hour on television. It had an unusual opening than usual, as all the celebs were aware who would appear at the morning gathering.
There was particularly inspiring, and very un-Traitors-esque soundtrack, as the episode revisited key scenes from every remaining player's experience in the game.
True to form, the comedian gave us unforgettable quotes.
"To be honest, I started this game a bit of a nervous wreck. I've thrown close allies under the bus, I've eliminated national treasures in plain sight. I'm clearly more deceptive and traitor than I believed."
Meanwhile, a different player commented that reaching the conclusion was "way more stressful than playing for a national team", while another said he was "completely amazed" to have lasted this long.
Early on of the finale, various contestants appeared to be attempting to become the new style icon of the competition, replacing the previously eliminated style leader.
The winner appeared 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. What a look.
Next up was the challenge, with the final players getting on board a train named - naturally - The Deceivers' Railway.
This task involved destroying portraits of former contestants. Have sympathy for a player who managed to get hit in the head multiple times by the cover of a substantial container.
Before long, it was time for the elimination discussion.
The deceivers did a pinky promise beforehand, vowing to stick together. "We've progressed significantly, I'm not going to throw him under a bus," said one, while the other simply laughed.
However, one adhered to his promise. Yet, having slipped unnoticed for the majority of the competition, the other still got the most votes.
The last deceiver looked like he was in significant distress to be the final deceiver remaining. "Now I'm on my own, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm unpredictable, without direction."
Online platforms and viewers were equally disappointed.
"I hoped against that player to be banished. An endearing deceiver," said an observer.
"You will forever be remembered in the show's legacy," posted a different viewer.
But there was little opportunity to focus on this departure. Soon, they were at the final stage - this being what we were really all here for.
The last players gathered around the fire pit. Meanwhile, the partnership collapsed, just when it was most crucial, in a truly WTF moment.
A player was painfully banished - following a surprising decision from their partner, who turned against them.
"It hurts to be betrayed last minute in that manner," said the eliminated player. Later, it was revealed that when they message, the eliminated contestant calls their former ally by a betrayer's name.
Ultimately, just three players remained in the game: the last participants.
One player, appearing quite pleased, chose to conclude the game. So did a different player, and it all came down to the third, who made the identical choice - which meant that the deceiver emerged victorious.
For observers, the scene where remaining contestants consoled the winner was "beautiful TV". "I predict it will be in the running for outstanding scene at television honors," they said.
Happily, the champion quickly regained composure from his bout of tears, and was able to enjoy his victory.
"Such an emotional journey. I thought I was terrible at deception, my expressions gave me away and here I am the champion," the winner said.
And he even joked about the memorable elimination - his close ally in an early episode - by leaning toward the presenter in the concluding moments and touching her cheek.
"You've got something on your face," he said, with his trademark giggle.
The recent episodes of famous people scheming, plotting and sometimes unexpected moments may seem like one big crazy jumbled dream. Yet it actually occur. And we will miss it.