Following multiple episodes of suspense, plots and sabotage, Celebrity Traitors has reached a nail-biting finale

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

Over the course of the show, viewers witnessed murders, betrayals, serious side-eye, and an unforgettable incident that cut through the overwhelming tension.

However on Thursday night, the ultimate victor of the first celebrity edition emerged triumphant.

Out of nineteen participants, just a handful were left standing: Deceivers and faithfuls 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 shocking outcome that went viral and left him emotional.

"It's been tearing me apart, my apologies," he exclaimed, revealing to the other players that he was actually a traitor. "I feel terrible about this."

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

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 another, while a third called it "the TV moment of the year."

The organization he selected, a cancer charity, will receive 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 one of the standout highlights of the season.

However, his victory still shocked viewers surprised, according to entertainment reporters.

"The thought of him, of all people, pulling off a masterclass in deception felt just as probable as him maintaining a straight face through one of his own punchlines."

On subsequent discussions, fellow players summed up the reasons nobody had ever really suspected him.

"Alan could have come down to the morning meal in a green cloak and I wouldn't have believed he was a traitor. I was too busy laughing," one participant said.

"Most people didn't vote for him because how can you eliminate a person so loveable?" questioned another celebrity.

The winner stated he had "absolutely loved" his experience with the show.

"I want to do it again... I doubt it would work a second time!"

Thursday evening's episode was extended to over an hour on television. There was a different start than typical episodes, as every celebrity were aware who'd make it at the breakfast table.

Viewers heard some very uplifting, and atypical for the show soundtrack, as the episode revisited some moments from every remaining player's time in the castle.

True to form, Alan Carr gave us unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I began this game a bit of an anxious mess. I've thrown some really good friends to save myself, I've eliminated national treasures openly. I'm clearly more deceptive and player than I believed."

Meanwhile, a different player commented that reaching the conclusion was "significantly more pressure than playing for a national team", while another said he was "totally surprised" to have made it so far.

Early on of the finale, several players seemed to be making a bid to become the new style icon of the castle, replacing an earlier departed style leader.

Carr emerged at the morning meal resembling a 1950s US chat show host in patterned burgundy attire, later switching into an embellished light-colored outfit.

But he was out-jacketted by another contestant's burgundy formal wear. Impressive style.

Following this was the competition, with the final players boarding a locomotive called - naturally - The Deceivers' Railway.

This task involved ripping up images of eliminated players. Have sympathy for one participant who managed to get hit in the head THREE times by the cover of a substantial container.

Soon after, it was time for the roundtable.

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

However, one adhered to his promise. Yet, managing to stay unnoticed for the majority of the competition, their partner still received the majority elimination votes.

The last deceiver appeared he was in a world of pain to be the last traitor standing. "Being alone, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, without direction."

Social media and viewers were equally disappointed.

"I hoped against this contestant to be banished. A truly loveable traitor," commented an observer.

"You will forever be remembered in Traitors history," posted another user.

But there was little opportunity to dwell on this departure. Soon, the game reached the final stage - this being the moment everyone anticipated.

The final four gathered around the ceremonial fire. And the alliance collapsed, just when it mattered the most, in a truly WTF moment.

A player was painfully banished - after a shock vote from their ally, who turned against them.

"It hurts to be stabbed in the back at the final moment like that," remarked the eliminated player. Subsequently, it was revealed that if they ever communicate, the eliminated contestant refers to the other as a traitor.

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

A contestant, looking incredibly smug, chose to conclude the competition. The same decision was made by a different player, and it all came down to the third, who did the same - which meant that the deceiver was the winner.

For observers, the scene where the other players comforted the champion was "compelling television". "I anticipate it will be a contender for memorable moment at television honors," they said.

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

"Such an emotional journey. I was awful at lying, my expressions gave me away and now I stand a winner," the winner said.

And he even joked about the memorable elimination - his close ally during the initial stages - by leaning toward the presenter in the concluding moments and touching her cheek.

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

The last few weeks of famous people scheming, plotting and sometimes unexpected moments may seem like one big crazy jumbled dream. Yet it actually all happen. It will be remembered fondly.