Following multiple episodes of suspense, plots and backstabbing, Celebrity Traitors concludes with a nail-biting end

Spoiler alert - This piece discloses details from Celebrity Traitors conclusion

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

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

From 19 contestants, only five remained: Traitors and loyal players competing for the winnings.

Soon, the field narrowed to only three contenders: the remaining contestants.

In the end, comedian Alan Carr emerged as the champion, in a shocking outcome that broke the internet and made him tearful.

"It's been tearing me apart, I'm so sorry," he declared, revealing to the remaining faithfuls that he'd always been one of the deceivers. "I feel terrible about this."

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

Online platforms immediately exploded with the news. "The worst deceiver being the most effective player," wrote a viewer.

"There could not have been a better conclusion," wrote another, while someone else described it as "the TV moment of the year."

The organization he selected, Neuroblastoma UK, gets to keep the entire winnings, with the final pot reaching eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

Alan Carr's transformation from comic relief to cold-hearted killer was one of the standout highlights of the season.

However, his victory still left the nation surprised, according to entertainment reporters.

"The idea of Alan, of all people, executing a masterclass in deception felt about as likely as him keeping composure through his comedy routines."

During follow-up conversations, fellow players summed up why no one had ever really suspected him.

"Alan could have appeared to breakfast in a green cloak and I still wouldn't have thought he was deceiving us. I was too busy laughing," a player said.

"The majority didn't vote for him because how does one eliminate a person so charming?" asked a different contestant.

Carr said he had "absolutely loved" his time on the program.

"I'd like to participate once more... I don't think it would be successful a second time!"

Thursday evening's episode was extended to over an hour on television. There was a different start than typical episodes, as all the celebs knew who would appear at the breakfast table.

There was some very uplifting, and very un-Traitors-esque soundtrack, as the episode revisited some moments from each of the finalists' time in the castle.

As ever, Alan Carr gave us unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I began this game a bit of a nervous wreck. I've betrayed some really good friends under the bus, I've murdered beloved figures in plain sight. I'm clearly a better liar and player than I thought."

At the same time, another contestant commented that reaching the conclusion was "way more stressful than playing for a national team", while another said he was "completely amazed" 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, replacing an earlier departed style leader.

The winner appeared at the morning meal looking like a vintage television personality in patterned burgundy attire, later switching into an embellished light-colored outfit.

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

Next up was the competition, with the remaining contestants getting on board a train named - of course - The Traitors Express.

The challenge involved ripping up portraits of eliminated players. Spare a thought for a player who managed to get hit in the head THREE times by the cover of a substantial container.

Before long, the moment arrived for the roundtable.

The deceivers made a pact beforehand, pledging to support each other. "We've progressed significantly, I won't betray him," stated one, while their partner simply laughed.

And one adhered to their agreement. Yet, having slipped under the radar for most of the game, the other still received the majority elimination 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 feel terrified," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, without direction."

Social media and viewers were similarly upset.

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

"You will forever be remembered in the show's legacy," wrote another user.

However, there remained little opportunity to dwell on their elimination. Before long, the game reached the endgame - which was what we were really all here for.

The last players stood over the ceremonial fire. Meanwhile, the partnership collapsed, just when it was most crucial, in an absolutely shocking development.

One contestant 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 ousted contestant. Later, it was revealed that if they ever communicate, the betrayed player refers to their former ally by a betrayer's name.

Ultimately, only three contestants remained in the game: the final trio.

A contestant, appearing quite pleased, voted to end the competition. So did another, and it all came down to the final participant, who did the same - resulting in the deceiver emerged victorious.

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

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

"Such an emotional journey. I thought I was terrible at deception, my expressions gave me away and here I am the champion," he 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, scheming and sometimes surprising incidents may feel like a bizarre fantasy. But it really did occur. It will be remembered fondly.