Following weeks of tension, plots and sabotage, The Celebrity Traitors concludes with a thrilling end

Spoiler alert - This article discloses key moments from The Celebrity Traitors conclusion

Throughout the season, viewers witnessed murders, betrayals, serious side-eye, and an unforgettable incident that cut through the overwhelming suspense.

However on Thursday night, the ultimate victor of the first Celebrity Traitors was revealed.

From 19 contestants, just a handful were left standing: Deceivers and faithfuls competing for the prize.

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

Ultimately, comedian Alan Carr was crowned the winner, in a surprising result that broke the internet and left him emotional.

"This has been destroying me, my apologies," he declared, revealing to the remaining faithfuls that he was actually one of the deceivers. "I feel terrible about this."

"You did brilliantly," they consoled him. "Everything's fine."

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

"It couldn't have been a more iconic ending," stated a different person, while someone else called it "the TV moment of the year."

His chosen charity, a cancer charity, gets to keep the entire winnings, with the final pot amounting to eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

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

But his win still left the nation in shock, as noted by entertainment reporters.

"The thought of him, among everyone, pulling off a masterclass in deceit felt about as likely as him maintaining a straight face through his comedy routines."

During follow-up conversations, the other contestants explained why no one had ever really suspected him.

"Alan could have come down to breakfast in traitor attire 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 can you vote for someone who is so loveable?" questioned a different contestant.

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 again!"

Thursday evening's installment was extended to over an hour on the network. It had a different start than usual, as all the celebs were aware who'd make it at the breakfast table.

Viewers heard some very uplifting, and very un-Traitors-esque music, as we recapped some moments from each of the finalists' time in the castle.

True to form, the comedian gave us some of the most memorable lines.

"To be honest, I started this game a bit of a nervous wreck. I've betrayed close allies to save myself, I've murdered national treasures openly. I'm clearly a better liar and traitor than I believed."

At the same time, another contestant commented that reaching the conclusion was "way more stressful than competing with England", while another said he was "completely amazed" to have lasted this long.

In the beginning of the finale, several players seemed to be making a bid to become the fashion standout of the competition, taking over from the previously eliminated style leader.

Carr emerged at the morning meal looking like a vintage television personality in patterned burgundy attire, before changing into an embellished light-colored outfit.

However, he got outstyled by another contestant's maroon velvet tuxedo. What a look.

Following this was the challenge, with the remaining contestants getting on board a locomotive called - of course - The Deceivers' Railway.

The challenge involved ripping up images of eliminated players. Spare a thought for one participant who was hit in the head THREE times by the cover of a substantial container.

Before long, it was time for the roundtable.

The deceivers did a pinky promise in advance, vowing to support each other. "We've come a long way, I won't betray him," stated a player, while their partner simply laughed.

However, one adhered to their agreement. But, managing to stay under the radar for most of the game, the other still received the majority elimination votes.

The remaining traitor 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, a rudderless ship."

Online platforms and onlookers were similarly upset.

"I did NOT want this contestant to be banished. A truly loveable traitor," said an observer.

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

But there was no time to focus on their elimination. Before long, they were at the endgame - this being what we were really all here for.

The last players gathered around the ceremonial fire. And the alliance collapsed, just when it mattered the most, in a truly WTF moment.

One contestant was eliminated in dramatic fashion - following a surprising decision from their ally, who betrayed them.

"It hurts to be betrayed at the final moment in that manner," remarked the ousted contestant. Subsequently, we learned that when they message, the eliminated contestant calls the other as a traitor.

Finally, only three contestants were still competing: the final trio.

One player, looking incredibly smug, chose to conclude the competition. The same decision was made by a different player, and everything depended on the final participant, who did the same - which meant that the deceiver emerged victorious.

For observers, the scene where remaining contestants consoled the winner was "compelling television". "I predict it will be a contender for outstanding scene at next year's awards," they said.

Happily, the winner quickly regained composure from his emotional outburst, 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.

He also made light of that infamous murder - his close ally in an early episode - by leaning toward the host in the concluding moments and touching her cheek.

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

The recent episodes of famous people scheming, scheming and the occasional surprising incidents may feel like a bizarre fantasy. Yet it actually all happen. It will be remembered fondly.