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

Spoiler alert - This article reveals details from Celebrity Traitors conclusion

Over the course of the show, viewers witnessed murders, double-crosses, intense glares, and a memorable moment that pierced all suspense.

Yet on the final evening, the ultimate victor of the inaugural celebrity edition emerged triumphant.

From nineteen participants, just a handful remained: Deceivers and loyal players facing off for the winnings.

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

In the end, funny man Alan Carr emerged as the champion, in a shocking outcome that went viral and left him emotional.

"It's been tearing me apart, I'm so sorry," he declared, revealing to the other players that he'd always been one of the deceivers. "I feel terrible about this."

"You did brilliantly," they comforted him. "It's all right."

Online platforms immediately exploded with this development. "The worst deceiver being the most effective player," wrote a viewer.

"There could not have been a better conclusion," stated a different person, 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 final pot reaching eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

Alan Carr's transformation from comic relief to strategic player was among the most memorable aspects of the season.

But his win still shocked viewers surprised, according to industry observers.

"The thought of him, among everyone, pulling off an expert performance in deceit felt just as probable as him keeping a straight face through one of his own punchlines."

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

"Alan could have come down to breakfast in a green cloak and I still wouldn't have thought he was a traitor. His humor distracted me," one participant said.

"Most people didn't target him because how can you eliminate a person so loveable?" questioned a different contestant.

The winner stated he had "thoroughly enjoyed" his time on the program.

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

Thursday evening's installment was lengthened to 70 minutes on television. It had a different start than usual, as every celebrity knew who would appear at the breakfast table.

Viewers heard some very uplifting, and very un-Traitors-esque music, as we recapped key scenes from each of the finalists' time in the castle.

As ever, the comedian provided unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I began this game a bit of a nervous wreck. I've thrown close allies to save myself, I've eliminated national treasures in plain sight. Apparently I'm more deceptive and player than I thought."

At the same time, a different player noted that reaching the conclusion was "significantly more pressure than competing with England", while someone else said he was "totally surprised" to have made it so far.

Early on of the finale, various contestants seemed to be attempting to become the new style icon of the competition, replacing the previously eliminated fashionable contestant.

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

However, he got outstyled by another contestant's burgundy formal wear. What a look.

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

The challenge saw them destroying portraits of eliminated players. Have sympathy for a player who managed to get hit on the head multiple times by the lid of a substantial container.

Before long, the moment arrived for the roundtable.

The deceivers did a pinky promise in advance, pledging to stick together. "We've come a long way, I'm not going to betray him," stated a player, while their partner simply laughed.

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

The last deceiver appeared he was in a world of pain to be the last traitor standing. "Now I'm on my own, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, a rudderless ship."

Online platforms and onlookers were similarly upset.

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

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

However, there remained little opportunity to focus on this departure. Before long, they were at the final stage - this being the moment everyone anticipated.

The last players gathered around the ceremonial fire. And the alliance broke down, precisely when it mattered the most, in an absolutely shocking development.

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

"This pains me to be stabbed in the back at the final moment in that manner," remarked the eliminated player. Subsequently, it was revealed that when they message, the betrayed player calls their former ally as a traitor.

Ultimately, only three contestants remained in the game: the last participants.

One player, looking incredibly smug, chose to conclude the competition. The same decision was made by another, and it all came down to the third, who made the identical choice - which meant that the deceiver was the winner.

According to commentators, the scene where the other players comforted the champion was "compelling television". "I predict it will be in the running for outstanding scene at television honors," they said.

Fortunately, the champion soon recovered from his bout of tears, and could finally appreciate his victory.

"What a rollercoaster. I thought I was terrible at deception, I had no poker face and now I stand a winner," the winner said.

And he even joked about the memorable elimination - his close ally in an early episode - by reaching over the presenter in the final scene and touching her cheek.

"You've got something on your face," he said, with his characteristic laugh.

The recent episodes of celebrity gossiping, plotting and the occasional unexpected moments may feel like one big crazy jumbled dream. But it really did occur. And we will miss it.