Warning: spoilers ahead - This piece discloses details from Celebrity Traitors finale
Throughout the season, audiences saw eliminations, betrayals, intense glares, and a memorable moment that pierced the overwhelming tension.
However on the final evening, the ultimate victor of the inaugural celebrity edition emerged triumphant.
From nineteen participants, only five were left standing: Deceivers and faithfuls competing for the prize.
Soon, the competition tightened to just three: the final players.
In the end, funny man Alan Carr was crowned the champion, in a shocking result that went viral and made him tearful.
"This has been destroying me, I'm so sorry," he declared, admitting to the other players that he was actually one of the deceivers. "I feel terrible about this."
"You played amazingly," they consoled him. "It's all right."
Online platforms immediately exploded with the news. "The worst deceiver being the most effective player," wrote one user.
"It couldn't have been a more iconic ending," stated another, while someone else described it as "the TV moment of the year."
The organization he selected, a cancer charity, will receive all the prize money, with the final pot reaching eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.
The comedian's evolution from giggle liability to cold-hearted killer was one of the standout highlights of the series.
However, his victory still shocked viewers surprised, as noted by entertainment reporters.
"The idea of Alan, of all people, pulling off a masterclass in deceit felt just as probable as him keeping a straight face through his comedy routines."
During follow-up conversations, the other contestants summed up the reasons nobody had ever really suspected him.
"He might have appeared to the morning meal in traitor attire and I wouldn't have believed he was a traitor. I was too busy laughing," a player said.
"The majority didn't vote for him because how does one eliminate someone who is so loveable?" asked another celebrity.
The winner stated he had "thoroughly enjoyed" his time on the program.
"I'd like to participate once more... I doubt it would work a second time!"
The final episode was lengthened to 70 minutes on the network. It had an unusual opening than usual, as all the celebs knew who'd make it at the breakfast table.
Viewers heard some very uplifting, and atypical for the show music, as we recapped key scenes from every remaining player's experience in the game.
As ever, the comedian gave us unforgettable quotes.
"To be honest, I began the competition a bit of a nervous wreck. I've betrayed close allies to save myself, I've murdered beloved figures in plain sight. Apparently I'm more deceptive and player than I thought."
Meanwhile, another contestant commented that being in the final was "significantly more pressure than playing for a national team", while someone else said he was "completely amazed" to have made it so far.
In the beginning in the episode, various contestants seemed to be making a bid to become the new style icon of the castle, replacing an earlier departed fashionable contestant.
The winner appeared at the morning meal looking like a 1950s US chat show host in a checked maroon suit, later switching into a bejewelled white suit.
But he was outstyled by a fellow player's maroon velvet tuxedo. Impressive style.
Following this was the challenge, with the final players getting on board a train named - of course - The Traitors Express.
The challenge saw them ripping up portraits of former contestants. Spare a thought for one participant who was hit in the head THREE times by the lid of a substantial container.
Before long, it was time for the elimination discussion.
Two traitors made a pact beforehand, vowing to stick together. "We've progressed significantly, I'm not going to throw him under a bus," stated a player, while their partner simply laughed.
However, one adhered to his promise. Yet, having slipped unnoticed for the majority of the competition, their partner still received the majority elimination votes.
The last deceiver looked like to be experiencing significant distress to be the final deceiver remaining. "Being alone, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, a rudderless ship."
Online platforms and viewers were equally disappointed.
"I hoped against this contestant to be banished. A truly loveable traitor," said an observer.
"Your legacy will remain in the show's legacy," posted another user.
However, there remained no time to focus on this departure. Before long, they were at the final stage - this being the moment everyone anticipated.
The final four stood over the fire pit. Meanwhile, the partnership collapsed, just when it was most crucial, in an absolutely shocking development.
One contestant was painfully banished - following a surprising decision from their ally, who turned against them.
"This pains me to be stabbed in the back last minute like that," said the eliminated player. Later, we learned that when they message, the eliminated contestant refers to the other as a traitor.
Ultimately, just three players remained in the game: the final trio.
One player, appearing quite pleased, voted to end the competition. The same decision was made by another, and it all came down to the third, who did the same - which meant that the traitor emerged victorious.
According to commentators, the scene where remaining contestants comforted the champion was "beautiful TV". "I predict it could be in the running for memorable moment at television honors," they commented.
Fortunately, the champion soon recovered from his emotional outburst, and was able to enjoy the moment.
"Such an emotional journey. I was awful at lying, my expressions gave me away and here I am a winner," he said.
He also made light of the memorable elimination - his best friend in an early episode - by leaning toward the presenter in the concluding moments and touching her cheek.
"There's something on your face," he said, with his characteristic laugh.
The last few weeks of famous people scheming, scheming and the occasional unexpected moments may seem like one big crazy jumbled dream. But it really did occur. It will be remembered fondly.
Elara is a seasoned gaming journalist with a passion for slot mechanics and player strategies.
