Following multiple episodes of suspense, schemes and backstabbing, Celebrity Traitors concludes with a thrilling end

Spoiler alert - This piece reveals details from Celebrity Traitors conclusion

Throughout the season, viewers witnessed murders, betrayals, serious side-eye, and an unforgettable incident that pierced all suspense.

Yet on Thursday night, the ultimate victor of the inaugural Celebrity Traitors was revealed.

From nineteen participants, only five remained: Traitors and loyal players facing off for the prize.

Soon, the field narrowed to only three contenders: 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, I'm so sorry," he declared, admitting to the other players that he'd always been a traitor. "I'm an awful human being."

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

Online platforms quickly erupted with this development. "Most awful traitor ever being the most effective player," commented a viewer.

"It couldn't have been a better conclusion," wrote a different person, while a third called it "the TV moment of the year."

His chosen charity, Neuroblastoma UK, gets to keep the entire winnings, with the final pot amounting to £87,500.

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

But his win still shocked viewers in shock, according to industry observers.

"The idea of Alan, of all people, executing a masterclass in deceit felt just as probable as him keeping a straight face through one of his own punchlines."

During follow-up conversations, fellow players explained the reasons nobody had ever really suspected him.

"He might have come down to breakfast 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 does one eliminate a person so charming?" asked a different contestant.

The winner stated he had "absolutely loved" his time on the program.

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

The final installment was lengthened to over an hour on television. There was an unusual opening than usual, as all the celebs knew who'd make it at the morning gathering.

Viewers heard some very uplifting, and very un-Traitors-esque soundtrack, as we recapped key scenes from every remaining player's time in the castle.

True to form, the comedian provided unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I started this game as something of an anxious mess. I've betrayed close allies to save myself, I've eliminated beloved figures in plain sight. I'm clearly a better liar and player than I thought."

At the same time, another contestant noted that being in the final was "way more stressful than playing for a national team", while another said he was "completely amazed" to have lasted this long.

Early on of the finale, various contestants seemed to be attempting to become the new style icon of the castle, replacing an earlier departed style leader.

The winner appeared at breakfast looking like a 1950s US chat show host in a checked maroon suit, later switching into an embellished light-colored outfit.

However, he got outstyled by another contestant's burgundy formal wear. Impressive style.

Next up was the challenge, with the final players boarding a train named - naturally - The Deceivers' Railway.

This task involved destroying images of former contestants. Spare a thought for one participant who was hit in the head multiple times by the lid of a heavy wooden box.

Before long, it was time for the roundtable.

Two traitors made a pact beforehand, pledging to support each other. "We've come a long way, I won't throw him under a bus," said a player, while their partner just giggled.

And one did stick to their agreement. Yet, managing to stay under the radar for most of the game, the other still received the majority elimination votes.

The last deceiver looked like he was in significant distress to be the last traitor standing. "Now I'm on my own, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, a rudderless ship."

Online platforms and onlookers were equally disappointed.

"I did NOT want that player to be eliminated. An endearing deceiver," said an observer.

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

But there was little opportunity to focus on this departure. Soon, they were at the final stage - which was what we were really all here for.

The final four gathered around the fire pit. Meanwhile, the partnership broke down, precisely when it mattered the most, in an absolutely shocking development.

A player was painfully banished - following a surprising decision from their ally, who betrayed them.

"It hurts to be stabbed in the back last minute in that manner," said the eliminated player. Subsequently, it was revealed that when they message, the betrayed player calls the other by a betrayer's name.

Ultimately, just three players were still competing: the final trio.

One player, appearing quite pleased, voted to end the game. The same decision was made by a different player, and it all came down to the third, who made the identical choice - resulting in the deceiver was the winner.

For observers, the moment where remaining contestants consoled the champion was "beautiful TV". "I predict it could be a contender for outstanding scene at television honors," they commented.

Happily, the winner quickly regained composure from his emotional outburst, and was able to enjoy 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.

He also joked about that infamous murder - his best friend in an early episode - by leaning toward the host in the concluding moments and touching her cheek.

"You've got something on your face," he said, with his characteristic laugh.

The last few weeks of celebrity gossiping, plotting and the occasional surprising incidents may feel like one big crazy jumbled dream. Yet it actually all happen. It will be remembered fondly.