Following weeks of suspense, schemes and backstabbing, Celebrity Traitors concludes with a nail-biting end

Warning: spoilers ahead - This piece discloses details from The Celebrity Traitors conclusion

Over the course of the show, viewers witnessed murders, betrayals, intense glares, and a memorable moment that cut through all tension.

Yet on Thursday night, the ultimate victor of the inaugural celebrity edition was revealed.

From nineteen participants, only five were left standing: Deceivers and loyal players facing off for the winnings.

Soon, the field narrowed to only three contenders: the remaining contestants.

Ultimately, funny man 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 exclaimed, revealing to the other players that he was actually one of the deceivers. "I'm an awful human being."

"You played amazingly," they comforted him. "It's all right."

Online platforms immediately exploded with this development. "The worst deceiver being the best traitor ever," wrote a viewer.

"There could not have been a more iconic ending," wrote another, while someone else described it as "the television highlight of the year."

His chosen charity, a cancer charity, will receive all the prize money, with the final pot reaching £87,500.

The comedian's evolution from comic relief to strategic player was among the most memorable aspects of the series.

But his win still shocked viewers surprised, as noted by entertainment reporters.

"The idea of Alan, of all people, pulling off an expert performance in deception felt about as likely as him maintaining composure through one of his own punchlines."

On subsequent discussions, the other contestants explained the reasons nobody had truly doubted him.

"He might have appeared to breakfast in a green cloak and I wouldn't have believed he was a traitor. I was too busy laughing," a player said.

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

Carr said he had "thoroughly enjoyed" his time on the show.

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

The final installment was extended to over an hour on television. It had a different start than usual, as all the celebs were aware who would appear at the breakfast table.

Viewers heard particularly inspiring, and atypical for the show music, as we recapped some moments from each of the finalists' time in the castle.

As ever, the comedian provided unforgettable quotes.

"Let's face it, I began this game a bit of a nervous wreck. I've thrown close allies under the bus, I've eliminated beloved figures in plain sight. I'm clearly a better liar and traitor than I thought."

At the same time, another contestant noted that being in the final was "significantly more pressure than competing with a national team", while another said he was "totally surprised" to have made it so far.

Early on of the finale, various contestants appeared to be attempting to become the fashion standout of the castle, taking over from an earlier departed fashionable contestant.

Carr emerged at breakfast looking like a 1950s US chat show host in patterned burgundy attire, later switching into a bejewelled white suit.

But he was out-jacketted by a fellow player's burgundy formal wear. What a look.

Next up was the competition, with the final players boarding a train named - of course - The Traitors Express.

The challenge saw them ripping up portraits of eliminated players. Have sympathy for a player who was hit in the head multiple times by the cover of a substantial container.

Soon after, it was time for the roundtable.

Two traitors made a pact beforehand, pledging to support each other. "We've come a long way, I won't throw him under a bus," stated one, while their partner simply laughed.

And one did stick to his promise. Yet, managing to stay unnoticed for the majority of the competition, the other still received the majority elimination votes.

The remaining traitor appeared to be experiencing significant distress to be the last traitor standing. "Now I'm on my own, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, without direction."

Social media and onlookers were similarly upset.

"I did NOT want this contestant to be banished. A truly loveable traitor," commented an observer.

"You will forever be remembered 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 last players stood over the ceremonial fire. Meanwhile, the partnership broke down, just when it mattered the most, in an absolutely shocking development.

One contestant was eliminated in dramatic fashion - after a shock vote from their ally, who betrayed them.

"This pains me to be betrayed at the final moment in that manner," said the eliminated player. Later, it was revealed that when they message, the betrayed player calls their former ally as a traitor.

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

One player, looking incredibly smug, chose to conclude the competition. So did another, and it all came down to the third, who did the same - resulting in the deceiver emerged victorious.

For observers, the moment where remaining contestants 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 champion 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 now I stand a winner," he said.

He also joked about the memorable elimination - his close ally during the initial stages - by leaning toward the host 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 celebrity gossiping, plotting and sometimes unexpected moments may seem like a bizarre fantasy. But it really did all happen. And we will miss it.