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

Spoiler alert - This article reveals details from The Celebrity Traitors conclusion

Throughout the season, audiences saw eliminations, double-crosses, serious side-eye, and an unforgettable incident that cut through the overwhelming suspense.

However on Thursday night, the final winner of the first Celebrity Traitors emerged triumphant.

Out of nineteen participants, only five remained: Traitors and loyal players facing off for the winnings.

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

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

"It's been tearing me apart, my apologies," he exclaimed, revealing to the remaining faithfuls that he'd always been one of the deceivers. "I'm an awful human being."

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

Online platforms immediately exploded with this development. "Most awful traitor ever being the best traitor ever," wrote one user.

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

The organization he selected, Neuroblastoma UK, will receive all the prize money, with the total amount amounting to eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

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

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

"The idea of Alan, among everyone, pulling off a masterclass in deceit felt just as probable as him maintaining a straight face through one of his own punchlines."

On subsequent discussions, the other contestants summed up the reasons nobody had ever really suspected him.

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

"The majority didn't target him because how does one eliminate someone who is so loveable?" questioned a different contestant.

The winner stated he had "absolutely loved" his experience with the program.

"I'd like to do it again... I don't think it would work a second time!"

Thursday evening's installment was extended to 70 minutes on television. There was an unusual opening than typical episodes, as every celebrity knew who would appear at the morning gathering.

There was particularly inspiring, and very un-Traitors-esque 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 a bit of a nervous wreck. I've betrayed close allies under the bus, I've eliminated beloved figures openly. I'm clearly a better liar and traitor than I believed."

At the same time, a different player commented that reaching the conclusion was "significantly more pressure than playing for a national team", while someone else said he was "totally surprised" to have made it so far.

Early on in the episode, various contestants seemed to be attempting to become the new style icon of the castle, replacing an earlier departed fashionable contestant.

The winner appeared at the morning meal resembling a 1950s US chat show host in a checked maroon suit, before changing into a bejewelled white suit.

But he was out-jacketted by a fellow player's burgundy formal wear. What a look.

Next up was the competition, with the final players getting on board a train named - naturally - The Traitors Express.

The challenge involved ripping up images of former contestants. Have sympathy for one participant who managed to get hit on the head multiple times by the lid of a substantial container.

Before long, the moment arrived for the elimination discussion.

Two traitors made a pact in advance, pledging to stick together. "We've come a long way, I'm not going to throw him under a bus," stated one, while the other simply laughed.

However, one adhered to his promise. But, having slipped under the radar for the majority of the competition, their partner still got the most votes.

The last deceiver appeared he was in significant distress to be the final deceiver remaining. "Being alone, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm unpredictable, a rudderless ship."

Online platforms and viewers were equally disappointed.

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

"Your legacy will remain in Traitors history," wrote another user.

However, there remained no time to focus on this departure. Soon, the game reached the final stage - this being what we were really all here for.

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

One contestant was painfully banished - following a surprising decision from their ally, who turned against them.

"This pains me to be stabbed in the back at the final moment in that manner," said the eliminated player. Later, it was revealed that if they ever communicate, the betrayed player refers to the other by a betrayer's name.

Finally, only three contestants were still competing: the last participants.

One player, appearing quite pleased, chose to conclude the competition. The same decision was made by a different player, and everything depended on the third, who made the identical choice - which meant that the traitor emerged victorious.

According to commentators, the moment where remaining contestants comforted the winner was "compelling television". "I predict it could be in the running for memorable moment at next year's awards," they commented.

Happily, the champion soon recovered from his emotional outburst, and could finally appreciate the moment.

"Such an emotional journey. I was awful at lying, I had no poker face and here I am the champion," the winner said.

And he even made light of the memorable elimination - his best friend during the initial stages - by reaching over the presenter in the concluding moments and touching her cheek.

"There's something on your face," he said, with his characteristic laugh.

The recent episodes of famous people scheming, plotting and the occasional surprising incidents may seem like a bizarre fantasy. Yet it actually all happen. And we will miss it.