Following weeks of suspense, schemes and backstabbing, The Celebrity Traitors concludes with a thrilling finale

Warning: spoilers ahead - 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 the final evening, the final winner of the inaugural Celebrity Traitors emerged triumphant.

From nineteen participants, just a handful were left standing: Deceivers and faithfuls facing off for the prize.

Soon, the competition tightened to just three: the remaining contestants.

Ultimately, funny man Alan Carr emerged as the champion, in a surprising result that went viral and left him emotional.

"It's been tearing me apart, my apologies," 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 this development. "The worst deceiver being the most effective player," wrote a viewer.

"There could not have been a more iconic ending," wrote a different person, while someone else called it "the TV moment of the year."

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

Alan Carr's transformation from giggle liability to cold-hearted killer was among the most memorable aspects of the season.

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

"The thought of him, among everyone, pulling off an expert performance in deceit felt just as probable as him maintaining a straight face through one of his own punchlines."

On subsequent discussions, fellow players summed up the reasons nobody had ever really suspected him.

"He might have appeared to the morning meal in traitor attire and I still wouldn't have thought he was a traitor. His humor distracted me," a player said.

"Most people didn't vote for him because how does one eliminate someone who is so loveable?" questioned another celebrity.

Carr said he had "thoroughly enjoyed" his time on the show.

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

Thursday evening's episode was lengthened to 70 minutes on the network. It had a different start than typical episodes, as all the celebs knew who would appear at the breakfast table.

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

As ever, the comedian provided unforgettable quotes.

"Let's face it, I started this game as something of an anxious mess. I've betrayed some really good friends under the bus, I've murdered beloved figures openly. Apparently I'm more deceptive and traitor than I thought."

At the same time, a different player noted that reaching the conclusion was "significantly more pressure than playing for England", while someone else said he was "completely amazed" to have made it so far.

Early on of the finale, several players seemed to be making a bid to become the fashion standout of the castle, taking over from the previously eliminated style leader.

The winner appeared at the morning meal looking like a 1950s US chat show host in patterned burgundy attire, before changing into an embellished light-colored outfit.

But he was outstyled by a fellow player's burgundy formal wear. What a look.

Next up was the challenge, with the final players boarding a locomotive called - of course - The Traitors Express.

This task involved ripping up images of eliminated players. Have sympathy for a player who was hit on the head multiple times by the lid of a substantial container.

Soon after, the moment arrived for the elimination discussion.

Two traitors did a pinky promise in advance, pledging to support each other. "We've come a long way, I'm not going to betray him," said a player, while their partner simply laughed.

However, one adhered to their agreement. Yet, having slipped unnoticed for the majority of the competition, the other still got the most votes.

The last deceiver appeared to be experiencing a world of pain to be the last traitor standing. "Being alone, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, without direction."

Online platforms and viewers were equally disappointed.

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

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

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

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

A player was eliminated in dramatic fashion - following a surprising decision from their ally, who turned against them.

"It hurts to be stabbed in the back at the final moment like that," remarked the eliminated player. Subsequently, we learned that if they ever communicate, the betrayed player calls the other by a betrayer's name.

Finally, just three players were still competing: the last participants.

One player, looking incredibly smug, voted to end the game. The same decision was made by a different player, and it all came down to the final participant, who did the same - which meant that the traitor emerged victorious.

According to commentators, the scene where the other players comforted the champion was "beautiful TV". "I anticipate it could be a contender for outstanding scene at next year's awards," they said.

Fortunately, the champion soon recovered from his emotional outburst, and could finally appreciate his victory.

"Such an emotional journey. I thought I was terrible at deception, my expressions gave me away and now I stand the champion," he said.

He also joked about that infamous murder - his close ally in an early episode - by reaching over the host in the final scene and making contact.

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

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