Following weeks of suspense, plots and backstabbing, The Celebrity Traitors concludes with a nail-biting finale

Warning: spoilers ahead - This article discloses details from Celebrity Traitors conclusion

Over the course of the show, viewers witnessed murders, double-crosses, serious side-eye, and an unforgettable incident that pierced the overwhelming tension.

Yet on the final evening, the ultimate victor of the first Celebrity Traitors was revealed.

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

Before long, the competition tightened to only three contenders: the final players.

Ultimately, comedian Alan Carr was crowned the winner, in a shocking result that broke the internet and made him tearful.

"This has been destroying me, I'm so sorry," he declared, admitting 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."

Social media immediately exploded with this development. "The worst deceiver being the most effective player," commented one user.

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

The organization he selected, a cancer charity, will receive the entire winnings, with the final pot reaching £87,500.

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

However, his victory still shocked viewers surprised, as noted by entertainment reporters.

"The idea of Alan, among everyone, executing a masterclass in deceit felt about as likely as him keeping composure through one of his own punchlines."

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

"Alan could have come down to the morning meal in traitor attire and I wouldn't have believed he was a traitor. I was too busy laughing," a player said.

"The majority didn't target him because how can you vote for someone who is so loveable?" questioned another celebrity.

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

"I want to participate once more... I doubt it would work a second time!"

Thursday evening's episode was lengthened to over an hour on television. It had an unusual opening than typical episodes, as every celebrity were aware who'd make it at the breakfast table.

There was particularly inspiring, and very un-Traitors-esque soundtrack, as we recapped key scenes from each of the finalists' experience in the game.

True to form, the comedian provided unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I began the competition 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 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 competing with a national team", while another said he was "totally surprised" to have lasted this long.

Early on in the episode, several players appeared to be making a bid to become the new style icon of the castle, taking over from the previously eliminated style leader.

Carr emerged at the morning meal looking like a vintage television personality in patterned burgundy attire, later switching into a bejewelled white suit.

But he was out-jacketted 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.

The challenge involved destroying images of eliminated players. Spare a thought for one participant who managed to get hit on the head multiple times by the lid of a substantial container.

Soon after, the moment arrived for the roundtable.

Two traitors made a pact in advance, vowing to stick together. "We've progressed significantly, I'm not going to betray him," stated one, while the other simply laughed.

However, one adhered to his promise. Yet, managing to stay unnoticed for most of the game, the other still received the majority elimination votes.

The last deceiver appeared he was in significant distress to be the final deceiver remaining. "Now I'm on my own, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, without direction."

Online platforms and onlookers were similarly upset.

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

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

But there was little opportunity to dwell on this departure. Before long, the game reached the endgame - this being the moment everyone anticipated.

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

A player was eliminated in dramatic fashion - after a shock vote from their ally, who betrayed them.

"This pains me to be stabbed in the back at the final moment in that manner," remarked the ousted contestant. Later, it was revealed that if they ever communicate, the betrayed player calls their former ally by a betrayer's name.

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

A contestant, looking incredibly smug, voted to end the competition. So did another, and everything depended on the final participant, who made the identical choice - which meant that the deceiver emerged victorious.

For observers, the moment where remaining contestants comforted the winner was "compelling television". "I anticipate it could be a contender for memorable moment at next year's awards," they said.

Happily, the champion soon recovered from his bout of tears, and was able to enjoy his victory.

"Such an emotional journey. I thought I was terrible at deception, I had no poker face and now I stand the champion," he said.

And he even joked about that infamous murder - his close ally in an early episode - by leaning toward the presenter in the concluding moments and making contact.

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

The last few weeks of celebrity gossiping, plotting and the occasional unexpected moments may seem like a bizarre fantasy. Yet it actually occur. It will be remembered fondly.