Following multiple episodes of suspense, plots and backstabbing, The Celebrity Traitors has reached a thrilling end

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

Over the course of the show, viewers witnessed eliminations, double-crosses, serious side-eye, and a memorable moment that cut through the overwhelming tension.

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

Out of nineteen participants, only five were left standing: Traitors and faithfuls competing for the prize.

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

In the end, funny man Alan Carr emerged as the winner, in a surprising outcome that broke the internet and left him emotional.

"It's been tearing me apart, my apologies," he declared, admitting to the other players that he'd always been a traitor. "I'm an awful human being."

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

Social media immediately exploded with this development. "Most awful traitor ever being the most effective player," commented a viewer.

"There could not have been a better conclusion," stated another, while someone else described it as "the television highlight of the year."

The organization he selected, a cancer charity, gets to keep all the prize money, with the final pot reaching eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

The comedian's evolution from comic relief to strategic player was one of the standout highlights of the series.

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

"The thought of him, of all people, executing a masterclass in deceit felt just as probable as him maintaining a straight face through his comedy routines."

During follow-up conversations, the other contestants summed up the reasons nobody had ever really suspected him.

"Alan could have come down to breakfast in traitor attire and I wouldn't have believed he was deceiving us. I was too busy laughing," a player said.

"Most people didn't target him because how does one eliminate a person so charming?" asked a different contestant.

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

"I want to do it again... I don't think it would work a second time!"

The final episode was lengthened to 70 minutes on the network. There was a different start than typical episodes, as every celebrity knew who would appear at the morning gathering.

There was some very uplifting, and atypical for the show soundtrack, as we recapped some moments from every remaining player's time in the castle.

True to form, Alan Carr provided unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I started this game as something of a nervous wreck. I've thrown close allies under the bus, I've murdered national treasures in plain sight. Apparently I'm more deceptive 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 someone else said he was "totally surprised" to have made it so far.

Early on of the finale, several players appeared to be making a bid to become the fashion standout of the castle, replacing the previously eliminated fashionable contestant.

Carr emerged at breakfast looking like a 1950s US chat show host in patterned burgundy attire, later switching into an embellished light-colored outfit.

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

Following this was the challenge, with the remaining contestants getting on board a locomotive called - of course - The Deceivers' Railway.

This task involved ripping up portraits of former contestants. Spare a thought for a player who managed to get hit in the head THREE times by the cover of a substantial container.

Soon after, it was time for the elimination discussion.

Two traitors made a pact in advance, vowing to stick together. "We've come a long way, I won't betray him," said a player, while the other just giggled.

And one adhered to his promise. Yet, having slipped under the radar for the majority of the competition, the other still got the most votes.

The last deceiver looked like he was in a world of pain to be the last traitor standing. "Now I'm on my own, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, without direction."

Online platforms and onlookers were similarly upset.

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

"Your legacy will remain in Traitors history," wrote another user.

However, there remained little opportunity to focus on their elimination. Soon, they were at the endgame - this being the moment everyone anticipated.

The final four gathered around the ceremonial fire. And the alliance broke down, precisely when it was most crucial, in a truly WTF moment.

One contestant was painfully banished - after a shock vote from their ally, who betrayed them.

"It hurts to be stabbed in the back last minute like that," remarked the eliminated player. Later, we learned that when they message, the eliminated contestant calls the other by a betrayer's name.

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

One player, appearing quite pleased, chose to conclude the competition. So did a different player, and everything depended on the final participant, who made the identical choice - resulting in the deceiver was the winner.

According to commentators, the moment where the other players consoled the winner was "compelling television". "I predict it will be a contender for memorable moment at television honors," they said.

Happily, the winner soon recovered from his emotional outburst, and could finally appreciate the moment.

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

He also joked about that infamous murder - his close ally during the initial stages - by reaching over the host in the final scene 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 surprising incidents may feel like a bizarre fantasy. Yet it actually all happen. It will be remembered fondly.