After multiple episodes of tension, schemes and backstabbing, Celebrity Traitors has reached a nail-biting end

Spoiler alert - This article discloses details from Celebrity Traitors conclusion

Throughout the season, audiences saw murders, betrayals, intense glares, and an unforgettable incident that pierced all tension.

However on Thursday night, the ultimate victor of the first celebrity edition was revealed.

From 19 contestants, only five remained: Traitors and faithfuls competing for the prize.

Before long, the field narrowed to only three contenders: the final players.

In the end, comedian Alan Carr emerged as the champion, in a surprising result that went viral and made him tearful.

"It's been tearing me apart, my apologies," he exclaimed, admitting to the remaining faithfuls that he was actually one of the deceivers. "I feel terrible about this."

"You played amazingly," they comforted him. "Everything's fine."

Online platforms 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," wrote another, while a third called it "the television highlight of the year."

His chosen charity, Neuroblastoma UK, gets to keep all the prize money, with the total amount amounting to £87,500.

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

However, his victory still left the nation in shock, 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 a straight face through one of his own punchlines."

On subsequent discussions, the other contestants explained why no one had ever really suspected him.

"Alan could have come down to breakfast in a green cloak and I wouldn't have believed he was deceiving us. I was too busy laughing," one participant said.

"The majority didn't target him because how does one vote for a person so charming?" questioned another celebrity.

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

"I'd like to participate once more... I doubt it would be successful a second time!"

Thursday evening's episode was lengthened to over an hour on television. It had a different start than usual, as all the celebs knew who would appear at the morning gathering.

Viewers heard particularly inspiring, and very un-Traitors-esque soundtrack, as we recapped key scenes from each of the finalists' experience in the game.

True to form, Alan Carr provided some of the most memorable lines.

"Let's face it, I started the competition as something of an anxious mess. I've thrown close allies to save myself, I've murdered national treasures in plain sight. Apparently I'm more deceptive and traitor than I thought."

Meanwhile, another contestant commented that reaching the conclusion was "significantly more pressure than competing with England", while another said he was "totally surprised" to have made it so far.

Early on in the episode, various contestants appeared to be making a bid to become the new style icon of the competition, replacing the previously eliminated fashionable contestant.

The winner appeared at breakfast resembling a vintage television personality in patterned burgundy attire, later switching into a bejewelled white suit.

But he was outstyled by a fellow player's burgundy formal wear. Impressive style.

Next up was the competition, with the remaining contestants boarding a locomotive called - naturally - The Deceivers' Railway.

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

Before long, it was time for the roundtable.

The deceivers did a pinky promise beforehand, vowing to stick together. "We've progressed significantly, I won't betray him," stated one, while the other just giggled.

And one adhered to his promise. But, having slipped under the radar for most of the game, the other still received the majority elimination votes.

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

Online platforms and viewers were similarly upset.

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

"Your legacy will remain in the show's legacy," wrote a different viewer.

But there was no time to dwell on this departure. Before long, they were at the final stage - this being the moment everyone anticipated.

The final four gathered around the ceremonial fire. Meanwhile, the partnership collapsed, precisely when it was most crucial, in a truly WTF moment.

A player was eliminated in dramatic fashion - after a shock vote from their partner, who betrayed them.

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

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

One player, appearing quite pleased, voted to end the game. The same decision was made by another, and everything depended on the final participant, who did the same - resulting in the traitor was the winner.

According to commentators, the moment where remaining contestants comforted the champion was "compelling television". "I anticipate it will be a contender for outstanding scene at next year's awards," they said.

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

"Such an emotional journey. I thought I was terrible at deception, my expressions gave me away and here I am the champion," the winner said.

And he even made light of the memorable elimination - his best friend in an early episode - by leaning toward the presenter in the concluding moments and making contact.

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

The recent episodes of famous people scheming, scheming and sometimes unexpected moments may seem like a bizarre fantasy. But it really did all happen. And we will miss it.