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

Spoiler alert - This piece discloses details from The Celebrity Traitors finale

Over the course of the show, audiences saw murders, betrayals, serious side-eye, and an unforgettable incident that pierced all suspense.

Yet on Thursday night, the final winner of the inaugural celebrity edition emerged triumphant.

Out of nineteen participants, only five were left standing: Traitors and faithfuls competing for the winnings.

Before long, the field narrowed to only three contenders: the remaining contestants.

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

"It's been tearing me apart, I'm so sorry," he exclaimed, revealing to the other players that he was actually a traitor. "I'm an awful human being."

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

Online platforms quickly erupted with this development. "The worst deceiver being the best traitor ever," wrote a viewer.

"There could not have been a better conclusion," wrote another, while a third called it "the TV moment of the year."

The organization he selected, a cancer charity, will receive all the prize money, with the total amount reaching eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

The comedian's evolution from comic relief to strategic player was among the most memorable aspects of the series.

However, his victory still shocked viewers surprised, according to industry observers.

"The thought of him, of all people, pulling off a masterclass in deceit felt just as probable as him keeping composure through one of his own punchlines."

On subsequent discussions, the other contestants explained why no one had truly doubted him.

"He might have appeared to the morning meal in a green cloak and I still wouldn't have thought he was deceiving us. His humor distracted me," one participant said.

"The majority didn't vote for him because how does one vote for a person so charming?" 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 again!"

Thursday evening's episode was lengthened to over an hour on television. It had a different start than usual, as every celebrity were aware who'd make it at the breakfast table.

There was particularly inspiring, and atypical for the show soundtrack, as the episode revisited key scenes from every remaining player's experience in the game.

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

"Let's face it, I started this game as something of a nervous wreck. I've thrown some really good friends to save myself, I've eliminated national treasures openly. I'm clearly a better liar and traitor than I thought."

At the same time, another contestant noted that reaching the conclusion was "significantly more pressure than competing with a national team", while another said he was "totally surprised" to have lasted this long.

In the beginning in the episode, various contestants seemed to be attempting to become the new style icon of the castle, taking over from the previously eliminated style leader.

Carr emerged at breakfast resembling a vintage television personality in a checked maroon suit, later switching into an embellished light-colored outfit.

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

Next up was the challenge, with the final players getting on board a locomotive called - of course - The Deceivers' Railway.

The challenge saw them ripping up images of eliminated players. Spare a thought for a player who was hit in the head THREE times by the cover of a heavy wooden box.

Soon after, it was time for the elimination discussion.

Two traitors did a pinky promise in advance, pledging to support each other. "We've progressed significantly, I'm not going to throw him under a bus," stated a player, while the other just giggled.

However, one did stick to his promise. Yet, managing to stay unnoticed for the majority of the competition, the other still got the most votes.

The remaining traitor appeared he was in a world of pain to be the last traitor standing. "Being alone, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm unpredictable, a rudderless ship."

Social media and viewers were similarly upset.

"I hoped against this contestant to be eliminated. An endearing deceiver," said a commentator.

"You will forever be remembered in Traitors history," posted another user.

But there was no time to dwell on their elimination. Before long, the game reached the final stage - this being the moment everyone anticipated.

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

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

"This pains me to be stabbed in the back last minute in that manner," said the eliminated player. Subsequently, it was revealed that when they message, the betrayed player refers to the other by a betrayer's name.

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

A contestant, appearing quite pleased, voted to end the competition. So did another, and it all came down to the third, who made the identical choice - which meant that the deceiver was the winner.

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

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

"What a rollercoaster. I thought I was terrible at deception, my expressions gave me away and here I am the champion," he said.

He also joked about the memorable elimination - his best friend during the initial stages - by leaning toward 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 famous people scheming, plotting and sometimes unexpected moments may seem like a bizarre fantasy. Yet it actually occur. And we will miss it.