Warning: spoilers ahead - This piece reveals key moments from The Celebrity Traitors finale
Over the course of the show, viewers witnessed murders, betrayals, intense glares, and an unforgettable incident that cut through the overwhelming suspense.
However on the final evening, the ultimate victor of the inaugural Celebrity Traitors was revealed.
From nineteen participants, only five were left standing: Deceivers and faithfuls competing for the prize.
Before long, the field narrowed to only three contenders: the remaining contestants.
Ultimately, comedian Alan Carr emerged as the champion, in a surprising outcome that broke the internet and left him emotional.
"It's been tearing me apart, my apologies," 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. "Everything's fine."
Social media immediately exploded with this development. "The worst deceiver being the most effective player," commented a viewer.
"There could not have been a better conclusion," stated a different person, while someone else described it as "the television highlight of the year."
The organization he selected, a cancer charity, will receive the entire winnings, with the final pot amounting to £87,500.
Alan Carr's transformation from giggle liability to strategic player was one of the standout highlights of the series.
However, his victory still left the nation surprised, according to entertainment reporters.
"The idea of Alan, among everyone, pulling off an expert performance in deceit felt just as probable as him keeping a straight face through one of his own punchlines."
On subsequent discussions, the other contestants summed up the reasons nobody had ever really suspected him.
"Alan could have appeared to breakfast in a green cloak and I still wouldn't have thought he was a traitor. I was too busy laughing," a player said.
"Most people didn't target him because how can you eliminate a person so charming?" questioned a different contestant.
The winner stated he had "absolutely loved" his experience with the show.
"I'd like to do it again... I don't think it would be successful a second time!"
Thursday evening's episode was lengthened to over an hour on television. It had an unusual opening than typical episodes, as all the celebs were aware who would appear at the morning gathering.
There was some very uplifting, and atypical for the show music, as the episode revisited key scenes from every remaining player's experience in the game.
As ever, the comedian provided unforgettable quotes.
"To be honest, I began the competition as something of an anxious mess. I've betrayed close allies to save myself, I've murdered beloved figures in plain sight. Apparently I'm a better liar and player than I thought."
Meanwhile, a different player noted that being in the final was "way more stressful than competing with a national team", while another said he was "totally surprised" to have made it so far.
In the beginning in the episode, several players seemed to be attempting to become the new style icon of the castle, replacing an earlier departed style leader.
Carr emerged at the morning meal looking like a 1950s US chat show host in a checked maroon suit, later switching into a bejewelled white suit.
However, he got outstyled by a fellow player's burgundy formal wear. What a look.
Following this was the competition, with the remaining contestants getting on board a locomotive called - of course - The Traitors Express.
This task involved ripping up portraits of former contestants. Have sympathy for one participant who managed to get hit in the head THREE times by the cover of a substantial container.
Soon after, the moment arrived for the roundtable.
The deceivers did a pinky promise beforehand, pledging to support each other. "We've come a long way, I'm not going to throw him under a bus," said a player, while their partner simply laughed.
However, one did stick to their agreement. Yet, managing to stay under the radar for the majority of the competition, their partner still received the majority elimination votes.
The last deceiver appeared to be experiencing significant distress to be the final deceiver remaining. "Now I'm on my own, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, without direction."
Online platforms and onlookers were equally disappointed.
"I hoped against this contestant to be eliminated. An endearing deceiver," said an observer.
"You will forever be remembered in the show's legacy," wrote a different viewer.
But there was little opportunity to focus on this departure. Soon, the game reached the endgame - this being the moment everyone anticipated.
The last players stood over the fire pit. And the alliance broke down, precisely when it mattered the most, in a truly WTF moment.
One contestant was painfully banished - following a surprising decision from their partner, who betrayed them.
"This pains me to be stabbed in the back at the final moment in that manner," said the eliminated player. Later, we learned that if they ever communicate, the betrayed player calls their former ally as a traitor.
Ultimately, only three contestants were still competing: the final trio.
One player, appearing quite pleased, chose to conclude the competition. The same decision was made by a different player, and it all came down to the third, who made the identical choice - resulting in the traitor emerged victorious.
For observers, the moment where remaining contestants comforted the winner was "beautiful TV". "I anticipate it will be in the running for memorable moment at next year's awards," they commented.
Happily, the champion soon recovered from his emotional outburst, 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," the winner said.
He also joked about the memorable elimination - his best friend during the initial stages - by reaching over the host in the final scene 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 the occasional unexpected moments may feel like a bizarre fantasy. Yet it actually all happen. It will be remembered fondly.
