After multiple episodes of suspense, plots and backstabbing, The Celebrity Traitors concludes with a thrilling end

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

Throughout the season, viewers witnessed eliminations, double-crosses, intense glares, and a memorable moment that cut through all suspense.

However on Thursday night, the final winner of the first Celebrity Traitors was revealed.

From 19 contestants, just a handful were left standing: Traitors and faithfuls facing off for the winnings.

Soon, the field narrowed to just three: the remaining contestants.

Ultimately, comedian Alan Carr emerged as the champion, in a shocking result that went viral and left him emotional.

"It's been tearing me apart, my apologies," he declared, revealing to the other players that he'd always been one of the deceivers. "I'm an awful human being."

"You did brilliantly," they comforted him. "Everything's fine."

Online platforms immediately exploded with the news. "Most awful traitor ever being the best traitor ever," commented one user.

"There could not have been a more iconic ending," wrote a different person, while a third described it as "the television highlight of the year."

His chosen charity, Neuroblastoma UK, gets to keep all the prize money, with the total amount amounting to eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

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

However, his victory still shocked viewers surprised, according to industry observers.

"The idea of Alan, among everyone, pulling off an expert performance in deceit felt just as probable as him maintaining a straight face through his comedy routines."

On subsequent discussions, the other contestants explained why no one had truly doubted him.

"He might have appeared to breakfast in a green cloak and I wouldn't have believed he was deceiving us. His humor distracted me," one participant said.

"Most people didn't target him because how can you eliminate someone who is so loveable?" asked another celebrity.

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

"I want to do it again... I doubt it would be successful again!"

The final installment was lengthened to over an hour on television. It had an unusual opening than typical episodes, as all the celebs knew who'd make it at the breakfast table.

There was some very uplifting, and very un-Traitors-esque music, as the episode revisited some moments from each of the finalists' experience in the game.

As ever, the comedian provided unforgettable quotes.

"Let's face it, I started the competition a bit of an anxious mess. I've thrown close allies under the bus, I've eliminated beloved figures in plain sight. Apparently I'm a better liar and traitor than I thought."

At the same time, a different player noted that reaching the conclusion was "significantly more pressure than competing with England", while someone else said he was "completely amazed" to have made it so far.

In the beginning in the episode, various contestants appeared to be making a bid to become the new style icon of the competition, taking over from the previously eliminated style leader.

Carr emerged at the morning meal resembling a vintage television personality in a checked maroon suit, later switching into a bejewelled white suit.

However, he got outstyled by a fellow player's burgundy formal wear. Impressive style.

Following this was the competition, with the remaining contestants getting on board a train named - of course - The Deceivers' Railway.

The challenge saw them destroying portraits of former contestants. Have sympathy for one participant who managed to get hit in the head multiple times by the cover of a heavy wooden box.

Before long, the moment arrived for the roundtable.

Two traitors did a pinky promise beforehand, pledging to stick together. "We've progressed significantly, I'm not going to throw him under a bus," said one, while their partner just giggled.

However, one adhered to his promise. But, having slipped under the radar for the majority of the competition, their partner still got the most votes.

The last deceiver appeared he was in a world of pain to be the final deceiver remaining. "Being alone, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm unpredictable, a rudderless ship."

Social media and onlookers were equally disappointed.

"I did NOT want this contestant to be eliminated. An endearing deceiver," commented a commentator.

"Your legacy will remain in the show's legacy," wrote another user.

But there was little opportunity to focus on this departure. Before long, they were at the endgame - this being what we were really all here for.

The last players stood over the fire pit. Meanwhile, the partnership broke down, precisely when it mattered the most, in an absolutely shocking development.

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

"It hurts to be stabbed in the back at the final moment in that manner," said the eliminated player. Subsequently, we learned that when they message, the eliminated contestant refers to their former ally as a traitor.

Finally, just three players remained in the game: the last participants.

One player, looking incredibly smug, voted to end the competition. The same decision was made by another, and it all came down to the third, who made the identical choice - which meant that the traitor emerged victorious.

For observers, the scene where the other players comforted the winner was "compelling television". "I anticipate it will be in the running for outstanding scene at television honors," they said.

Happily, the champion quickly regained composure from his bout of tears, and could finally appreciate his victory.

"Such an emotional journey. I was awful at lying, I had no poker face and now I stand a winner," he said.

He also joked about that infamous murder - his close ally in an early episode - by reaching over the presenter in the concluding moments and touching her cheek.

"You've got something on your face," he said, with his trademark giggle.

The last few weeks of famous people scheming, scheming and the occasional unexpected moments may seem like a bizarre fantasy. Yet it actually all happen. It will be remembered fondly.