Following weeks of tension, schemes and backstabbing, Celebrity Traitors concludes with a thrilling end

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

Throughout the season, viewers witnessed eliminations, double-crosses, intense glares, and an unforgettable incident that pierced all tension.

However on Thursday night, the final winner of the inaugural Celebrity Traitors was revealed.

From nineteen participants, only five were left standing: Deceivers and loyal players competing for the prize.

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

Ultimately, comedian Alan Carr emerged as the winner, in a shocking outcome that went viral and left him emotional.

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

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

Social media quickly erupted with this development. "The worst deceiver being the most effective player," wrote a viewer.

"It couldn't have been a better conclusion," stated another, while someone else described it as "the TV moment of the year."

The organization he selected, a cancer charity, will receive all the prize money, with the total amount amounting to £87,500.

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

But his win still left the nation surprised, according to industry observers.

"The idea of Alan, of all people, executing a masterclass in deception felt about as likely as him maintaining composure through one of his own punchlines."

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

"He might have appeared to breakfast in traitor attire and I still wouldn't have thought he was a traitor. I was too busy laughing," a player said.

"Most people didn't vote for him because how can you eliminate someone who is so charming?" asked another celebrity.

The winner stated 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!"

The final installment was extended to over an hour on the network. There was a different start than usual, as every celebrity knew who would appear at the morning gathering.

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.

True to form, the comedian provided unforgettable quotes.

"Let's face it, I began this game a bit of an anxious mess. I've thrown close allies to save myself, I've murdered national treasures openly. Apparently I'm more deceptive and player than I thought."

Meanwhile, a different player noted that reaching the conclusion was "way more stressful than competing with a national team", while another said he was "completely amazed" to have lasted this long.

Early on of the finale, several players appeared to be attempting to become the fashion standout of the castle, taking over from an earlier departed style leader.

Carr emerged at the morning meal resembling a 1950s US chat show host in a checked maroon suit, before changing into an embellished light-colored outfit.

But he was outstyled by a fellow player's burgundy formal wear. Impressive style.

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

The challenge involved destroying images of former contestants. Have sympathy for a player who was hit in the head THREE times by the cover of a substantial container.

Before long, the moment arrived for the roundtable.

Two traitors made a pact beforehand, vowing to support each other. "We've come a long way, I won't throw him under a bus," said a player, while the other simply laughed.

And one adhered to his promise. But, managing to stay unnoticed 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 last traitor standing. "Being alone, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, without direction."

Social media and viewers were similarly upset.

"I hoped against this contestant to be banished. An endearing deceiver," commented an observer.

"Your legacy will remain in the show's legacy," posted another user.

But there was no time to dwell on this departure. Soon, they were at the endgame - which was what we were really all here for.

The last players stood over the ceremonial fire. And the alliance broke down, just when it was most crucial, in an absolutely shocking development.

One contestant was eliminated in dramatic fashion - after a shock vote from their ally, who turned against them.

"This pains me to be stabbed in the back last minute in that manner," said the ousted contestant. Later, it was revealed that when they message, the eliminated contestant refers to the other as a traitor.

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

A contestant, looking incredibly smug, voted to end the competition. So did another, and it all came down to the final participant, who did the same - which meant that the traitor was the winner.

According to commentators, the scene where remaining contestants comforted the champion was "beautiful TV". "I anticipate it will be a contender for memorable moment at television honors," they commented.

Happily, the champion quickly regained composure from his emotional outburst, and could finally appreciate the moment.

"What a rollercoaster. 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 the memorable elimination - his best friend in an early episode - by reaching over 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, plotting and the occasional unexpected moments may seem like a bizarre fantasy. But it really did all happen. And we will miss it.