Following weeks of tension, schemes and sabotage, Celebrity Traitors concludes with a thrilling end
Spoiler alert - This article discloses details from Celebrity Traitors conclusion
Over the course of the show, audiences saw eliminations, betrayals, intense glares, and an unforgettable incident that pierced all tension.
Yet on Thursday night, the ultimate victor of the inaugural Celebrity Traitors emerged triumphant.
Out of 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 emerged as the champion, in a shocking outcome that went viral and left him emotional.
"It's been tearing me apart, I'm so sorry," he exclaimed, revealing to the remaining faithfuls that he'd always been one of the deceivers. "I feel terrible about this."
"You played amazingly," they comforted him. "Everything's fine."
Online platforms quickly erupted with the news. "The worst deceiver being the most effective player," commented a viewer.
"It couldn't have been a more iconic ending," wrote another, while someone else described it as "the TV moment of the year."
His chosen charity, a cancer charity, gets to keep the entire winnings, with the total amount reaching £87,500.
Alan Carr's transformation from comic relief to cold-hearted killer was one of the standout highlights of the season.
However, his victory still shocked viewers in shock, according to entertainment reporters.
"The idea of Alan, of all people, pulling off a masterclass in deceit felt about as likely as him keeping composure through one of his own punchlines."
During follow-up conversations, the other contestants explained why no one had truly doubted him.
"He might have appeared to breakfast in traitor attire and I wouldn't have believed he was deceiving us. His humor distracted me," one participant said.
"Most people didn't vote for him because how does one eliminate a person so charming?" questioned a different contestant.
Carr said he had "absolutely loved" his experience with the show.
"I'd like to participate once more... I doubt it would be successful again!"
Thursday evening's episode was extended to over an hour on the network. There was an unusual opening than usual, as all the celebs were aware who would appear at the breakfast table.
Viewers heard some very uplifting, and atypical for the show music, as we recapped some moments from each of the finalists' experience in the game.
As ever, Alan Carr provided unforgettable quotes.
"Let's face it, I began the competition a bit of an anxious mess. I've betrayed close allies to save myself, I've eliminated beloved figures openly. Apparently I'm a better liar and player than I thought."
Meanwhile, another contestant commented that reaching the conclusion was "significantly more pressure than playing for a national team", while another said he was "completely amazed" to have lasted this long.
Early on in the episode, various contestants seemed to be making a bid to become the new style icon of the castle, taking over from an earlier departed style leader.
Carr emerged at breakfast resembling a 1950s US chat show host in a checked maroon suit, before changing into an embellished light-colored outfit.
But he was out-jacketted by another contestant's maroon velvet tuxedo. What a look.
Following this was the competition, with the remaining contestants boarding a locomotive called - of course - The Deceivers' Railway.
The challenge involved ripping up portraits of eliminated players. Have sympathy for one participant who was hit on the head multiple times by the lid of a heavy wooden box.
Before long, it was time for the elimination discussion.
The deceivers did a pinky promise beforehand, vowing to support each other. "We've come a long way, I'm not going to throw him under a bus," stated one, while their partner just giggled.
And one adhered to their agreement. Yet, having slipped under the radar for most of the game, their partner still received the majority elimination votes.
The remaining traitor looked like he was in significant distress to be the last traitor standing. "Now I'm on my own, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm unpredictable, without direction."
Social media and viewers were equally disappointed.
"I hoped against that player to be banished. An endearing deceiver," said a commentator.
"Your legacy will remain in the show's legacy," posted another user.
But there was little opportunity to dwell on this departure. Before long, they were at the endgame - this being the moment everyone anticipated.
The final four stood over the fire pit. And the alliance broke down, just when it mattered the most, in a truly WTF moment.
A player was painfully banished - following a surprising decision from their partner, who betrayed them.
"It hurts to be betrayed at the final moment in that manner," remarked the eliminated player. Later, it was revealed that when they message, the eliminated contestant calls their former ally as a traitor.
Finally, just three players were still competing: the final trio.
One player, appearing quite pleased, voted to end the competition. So did a different player, and everything depended on the third, who made the identical choice - resulting in the traitor was the winner.
According to commentators, the moment where the other players consoled the champion was "beautiful TV". "I predict it could be a contender for outstanding scene at next year's awards," they said.
Happily, the winner soon recovered from his emotional outburst, and was able to enjoy his victory.
"Such an emotional journey. I thought I was terrible at deception, I had no poker face and here I am a winner," the winner said.
And he even joked about that infamous murder - his close ally during the initial stages - by leaning toward the host in the final scene and making contact.
"There's something on your face," he said, with his trademark giggle.
The last few weeks of celebrity gossiping, scheming and the occasional surprising incidents may seem like one big crazy jumbled dream. Yet it actually all happen. And we will miss it.
