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

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

Over the course of the show, audiences saw eliminations, double-crosses, serious side-eye, and an unforgettable incident that cut through all suspense.

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

Out of 19 contestants, only five remained: Deceivers and loyal players facing off for the prize.

Soon, the competition tightened to just three: the final players.

In the end, funny man Alan Carr was crowned the champion, in a shocking outcome that went viral and made him tearful.

"It's been tearing me apart, I'm so sorry," he exclaimed, admitting to the remaining faithfuls that he'd always been a traitor. "I'm an awful human being."

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

Online platforms immediately exploded with the news. "The worst deceiver being the best traitor ever," commented one user.

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

His chosen charity, Neuroblastoma UK, will receive the entire winnings, with the final pot reaching £87,500.

The comedian's evolution from comic relief to cold-hearted killer was one of the standout highlights of the season.

But his win still shocked viewers surprised, as noted by 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 his comedy routines."

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

"He might have appeared to breakfast in traitor attire and I still wouldn't have thought he was a traitor. I was too busy laughing," one participant said.

"Most people didn't target him because how does one vote for a person so loveable?" questioned another celebrity.

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

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

The final installment was extended to over an hour on television. It had a different start than usual, as every celebrity were aware who'd make it at the morning gathering.

There was particularly inspiring, and atypical for the show music, as we recapped key scenes from every remaining player's time in the castle.

As ever, the comedian provided unforgettable quotes.

"Let's face it, I began this game a bit of an anxious mess. I've thrown close allies to save myself, I've eliminated national treasures in plain sight. I'm clearly more deceptive and player than I thought."

Meanwhile, another contestant commented that reaching the conclusion was "way more stressful than competing with a national team", while another said he was "totally surprised" to have lasted this long.

In the beginning of the finale, several players appeared to be attempting to become the fashion standout of the competition, taking over from the previously eliminated style leader.

The winner appeared at the morning meal resembling a 1950s US chat show host in patterned burgundy attire, later switching into a bejewelled white suit.

However, he got outstyled by another contestant's maroon velvet tuxedo. Impressive style.

Next up was the challenge, 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 a player who was hit on the head multiple times by the lid of a substantial container.

Before long, it was time for the elimination discussion.

The deceivers made a pact beforehand, vowing to support each other. "We've progressed significantly, I'm not going to throw him under a bus," stated a player, while the other just giggled.

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

The last deceiver looked like to be experiencing a world of pain to be the last traitor standing. "Now I'm on my own, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm unpredictable, a rudderless ship."

Online platforms and onlookers were similarly upset.

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

"You will forever be remembered in the show's legacy," posted a different viewer.

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

The final four stood over the fire pit. Meanwhile, the partnership broke down, just when it mattered the most, in an absolutely shocking development.

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

"This pains me to be stabbed in the back last minute like that," said the ousted contestant. Later, we learned that when they message, the betrayed player refers to their former ally as a traitor.

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

A contestant, looking incredibly smug, voted to end the competition. So did another, and it all came down to the final participant, who made the identical choice - resulting in the traitor emerged victorious.

For observers, the scene where the other players consoled the champion was "beautiful TV". "I anticipate it could be in the running for outstanding scene at television honors," they commented.

Fortunately, the winner soon recovered from his bout of tears, and was able to enjoy the moment.

"What a rollercoaster. I was awful at lying, my expressions gave me away and here I am a winner," the winner said.

And he even made light of the memorable elimination - his close ally during the initial stages - by reaching over the presenter in the concluding moments and making contact.

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

The recent episodes of celebrity gossiping, plotting and sometimes unexpected moments may feel like a bizarre fantasy. Yet it actually occur. It will be remembered fondly.