After weeks of tension, schemes and sabotage, Celebrity Traitors has reached a nail-biting end

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

Over the course of the show, audiences saw murders, double-crosses, intense glares, and an unforgettable incident that pierced the overwhelming suspense.

However on Thursday night, the final winner of the first celebrity edition emerged triumphant.

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

Before long, the competition tightened to just three: the remaining contestants.

In the end, funny man Alan Carr was crowned the winner, in a surprising outcome that went viral and made him tearful.

"This has been destroying me, I'm so sorry," he exclaimed, revealing to the other players that he'd always been a traitor. "I feel terrible about this."

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

Online platforms quickly erupted with the news. "Most awful traitor ever being the best traitor ever," wrote one user.

"It couldn't have been a more iconic ending," stated a different person, while a third described it as "the television highlight of the year."

The organization he selected, a cancer charity, will receive the entire winnings, with the total amount amounting to £87,500.

Alan Carr's transformation from giggle liability to strategic player was among the most memorable aspects of the series.

But his win still shocked viewers surprised, as noted by industry observers.

"The thought of him, of all people, pulling off a masterclass in deceit felt just as probable as him maintaining composure through his comedy routines."

On subsequent discussions, fellow players summed up the reasons nobody had truly doubted him.

"He might have appeared to the morning meal in traitor attire and I still wouldn't have thought he was a traitor. His humor distracted me," a player said.

"The majority didn't vote for him because how can you eliminate someone who is so charming?" asked another celebrity.

The winner stated he had "thoroughly enjoyed" his time on the show.

"I want to participate once more... I don't think it would be successful again!"

Thursday evening's installment was lengthened to 70 minutes on television. It had a different start than usual, as all the celebs knew who would appear at the breakfast table.

There was particularly inspiring, and atypical for the show soundtrack, as the episode revisited some moments from each of the finalists' 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 under the bus, I've eliminated national treasures openly. Apparently I'm a better liar and player than I thought."

Meanwhile, a different player commented that being in the final was "significantly more pressure than competing with a national team", while another said he was "completely amazed" to have lasted this long.

Early on in the episode, several players appeared to be attempting to become the new style icon of the castle, taking over from the previously eliminated style leader.

The winner appeared at the morning meal resembling a vintage television personality in a checked maroon suit, before changing into an embellished light-colored outfit.

But he was outstyled by another contestant's burgundy formal wear. Impressive style.

Following this was the challenge, with the final players getting on board a train named - naturally - The Deceivers' Railway.

The challenge saw them ripping up portraits of former contestants. Have sympathy for a player who was hit in the head THREE times by the cover of a heavy wooden box.

Before long, it was time for the elimination discussion.

Two traitors did a pinky promise beforehand, vowing to support each other. "We've progressed significantly, I'm not going to betray him," said one, while the other simply laughed.

However, one adhered to their agreement. But, managing to stay under the radar for most of the game, their partner still got the most votes.

The remaining traitor appeared to be experiencing a world of pain to be the final deceiver remaining. "Now I'm on my own, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm unpredictable, without direction."

Online platforms and onlookers were similarly upset.

"I hoped against that player to be eliminated. An endearing deceiver," commented a commentator.

"You will forever be remembered in the show's legacy," posted a different viewer.

However, there remained little opportunity to focus 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, precisely when it was most crucial, in a truly WTF moment.

A player was eliminated in dramatic fashion - following a surprising decision from their ally, who turned against them.

"It hurts to be betrayed last minute like that," said the ousted contestant. Later, we learned that if they ever communicate, the eliminated contestant refers to their former ally as a traitor.

Ultimately, only three contestants were still competing: the last participants.

One player, looking incredibly smug, voted to end the game. So did another, and everything depended on the final participant, who did the same - which meant that the deceiver emerged victorious.

According to commentators, the scene where remaining contestants consoled the champion was "beautiful TV". "I anticipate it could be a contender for memorable moment at television honors," they commented.

Happily, the champion soon recovered 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 here I am the champion," he said.

He also joked about that infamous murder - his best friend during the initial stages - by leaning toward the presenter 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 famous people scheming, scheming and the occasional unexpected moments may feel like a bizarre fantasy. Yet it actually occur. And we will miss it.