After multiple episodes of suspense, schemes and sabotage, Celebrity Traitors concludes with a nail-biting end

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

Throughout the season, viewers witnessed eliminations, betrayals, serious side-eye, and an unforgettable incident that pierced the overwhelming tension.

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

From 19 contestants, just a handful remained: Deceivers and faithfuls facing off for the prize.

Soon, the competition tightened to only three contenders: the remaining contestants.

In the end, comedian Alan Carr emerged as the champion, in a surprising result that went viral and left him emotional.

"It's been tearing me apart, 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 comforted him. "Everything's fine."

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

"It couldn't have been a better conclusion," stated another, while someone else called it "the television highlight of the year."

The organization he selected, Neuroblastoma UK, will receive the entire winnings, with the final pot amounting to £87,500.

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 thought of him, of all people, executing an expert performance in deception felt just as probable as him keeping composure through his comedy routines."

On subsequent discussions, the other contestants explained the reasons nobody had truly doubted him.

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

"Most people didn't target him because how does one vote for a person so charming?" questioned another celebrity.

Carr said he had "thoroughly enjoyed" his experience with the show.

"I'd like to participate once more... I doubt it would be successful a second time!"

The final episode was extended to 70 minutes on television. It had a different start than usual, as every celebrity were aware who would appear at the morning gathering.

Viewers heard some very uplifting, and very un-Traitors-esque music, as we recapped some moments from every remaining player's time in the castle.

True to form, Alan Carr provided unforgettable quotes.

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

At the same time, another contestant commented that being in the final was "significantly more pressure 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 seemed to be attempting to become the fashion standout of the castle, replacing an earlier departed style leader.

Carr emerged at the morning meal resembling a 1950s US chat show host in patterned burgundy attire, before changing into a bejewelled white suit.

But he was out-jacketted by a fellow player's maroon velvet tuxedo. What a look.

Following this was the competition, with the final players getting on board a train named - naturally - The Deceivers' Railway.

The challenge involved destroying portraits of eliminated players. Have sympathy 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 elimination discussion.

The deceivers made a pact beforehand, pledging to stick together. "We've progressed significantly, I won't throw him under a bus," said one, while the other just giggled.

However, one did stick to his promise. But, managing to stay under the radar for most of the game, the other still got the most votes.

The last deceiver appeared he was in a world of pain to be the final deceiver remaining. "Now I'm on my own, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm unpredictable, without direction."

Social media and onlookers were similarly upset.

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

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

However, there remained no time to focus on this departure. Before long, they were at the endgame - this being what we were really all here for.

The last players stood over the ceremonial fire. Meanwhile, the partnership broke down, precisely when it was most crucial, in a truly WTF moment.

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

"This pains me to be betrayed at the final moment in that manner," said the ousted contestant. Later, it was revealed that when they message, the betrayed player refers to their former ally by a betrayer's name.

Finally, just three players remained in the game: the last participants.

One player, looking incredibly smug, voted to end the game. The same decision was made by another, and it all came down to the third, who made the identical choice - which meant that the traitor was the winner.

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

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

"What a rollercoaster. I was awful at lying, my expressions gave me away and now I stand a winner," he said.

He also joked about the memorable elimination - his close ally in an early episode - by leaning toward the presenter in the concluding moments and making contact.

"You've got something on your face," he said, with his trademark giggle.

The last few weeks of famous people scheming, scheming and sometimes surprising incidents may feel like a bizarre fantasy. Yet it actually all happen. It will be remembered fondly.