After multiple episodes of suspense, schemes and backstabbing, Celebrity Traitors concludes with a nail-biting end

Warning: spoilers ahead - This article reveals details from The Celebrity Traitors conclusion

Throughout the season, viewers witnessed murders, double-crosses, intense glares, and an unforgettable incident that pierced all suspense.

Yet on Thursday night, the ultimate victor of the first Celebrity Traitors emerged triumphant.

From 19 contestants, only five remained: Deceivers and loyal players competing for the winnings.

Soon, the competition tightened to only three contenders: the final players.

In the end, comedian Alan Carr was crowned the winner, in a shocking outcome that went viral and left him emotional.

"It's been tearing me apart, I'm so sorry," he declared, admitting to the other players that he'd always been a traitor. "I feel terrible about this."

"You did brilliantly," they comforted him. "It's all right."

Social media immediately exploded with this development. "Most awful traitor ever being the best traitor ever," wrote one user.

"There could not have been a better conclusion," stated another, while a third called it "the TV moment of the year."

The organization he selected, Neuroblastoma UK, gets to keep all the prize money, with the total amount amounting to 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.

But his win still left the nation surprised, as noted by entertainment reporters.

"The thought of him, of all people, executing a masterclass in deception felt just as probable 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 come down to breakfast in traitor attire and I still wouldn't have thought he was deceiving us. I was too busy laughing," a player said.

"The majority didn't target him because how does one eliminate someone who is so loveable?" asked another celebrity.

The winner stated he had "absolutely loved" his time on the show.

"I'd like to participate once more... I don't think it would work a second time!"

Thursday evening's installment was lengthened to over an hour on television. It had a different start than usual, as every celebrity were aware who'd make it at the breakfast table.

Viewers heard particularly inspiring, and atypical for the show soundtrack, as we recapped some moments from every remaining player's experience in the game.

As ever, the comedian gave us unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I began the competition as something of a nervous wreck. I've betrayed close allies to save myself, I've murdered national treasures in plain sight. I'm clearly more deceptive and traitor than I thought."

At the same time, another contestant noted that being in the final was "way more stressful than competing with England", while someone else said he was "completely amazed" to have made it so far.

Early on in the episode, various contestants appeared to be making a bid to become the new style icon of the castle, taking over from an earlier departed style leader.

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 another contestant's maroon velvet tuxedo. Impressive style.

Following this was the competition, with the final players getting on board a locomotive called - of course - The Traitors Express.

This task involved ripping up images of eliminated players. Have sympathy for a player who was hit in the head multiple times by the lid of a substantial container.

Before long, it was time for the roundtable.

Two traitors 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 a player, while their partner simply laughed.

However, one did stick to their agreement. But, having slipped unnoticed for most of the game, their partner still received the majority elimination votes.

The last deceiver looked like to be experiencing significant distress to be the last traitor standing. "Being alone, I feel terrified," 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," commented a commentator.

"You will forever be remembered in Traitors history," posted a different viewer.

But there was little opportunity to dwell on their elimination. Before long, 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 broke down, just when it mattered the most, in an absolutely shocking development.

One contestant was painfully banished - following a surprising decision from their partner, who turned against them.

"It hurts to be betrayed at the final moment in that manner," said the eliminated player. Subsequently, it was revealed that when they message, the betrayed player refers to the other as a traitor.

Ultimately, just three players remained in the game: the final trio.

One player, looking incredibly smug, voted to end the game. The same decision was made by another, 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 the other players comforted the winner was "beautiful TV". "I anticipate it will be a contender for outstanding scene at television honors," they said.

Happily, the champion quickly regained composure from his emotional outburst, and was able to enjoy his victory.

"What a rollercoaster. I thought I was terrible at deception, my expressions gave me away and now I stand a winner," he 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 making contact.

"There's something on your face," he said, with his trademark giggle.

The last few weeks of famous people scheming, plotting and the occasional surprising incidents may seem like a bizarre fantasy. Yet it actually occur. It will be remembered fondly.