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

Spoiler alert - This piece discloses details from Celebrity Traitors conclusion

Over the course of the show, viewers witnessed eliminations, double-crosses, serious side-eye, and a memorable moment that cut through the overwhelming tension.

Yet on Thursday night, the final winner of the inaugural Celebrity Traitors emerged triumphant.

Out of 19 contestants, just a handful were left standing: Deceivers and faithfuls facing off for the prize.

Before long, the competition tightened to just three: the remaining contestants.

In the end, funny man Alan Carr emerged as the winner, in a surprising outcome that broke the internet and made him tearful.

"It's been tearing me apart, my apologies," he exclaimed, admitting to the other players that he'd always been one of the deceivers. "I feel terrible about this."

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

Social media quickly erupted with the news. "The worst deceiver being the best traitor ever," wrote one user.

"It couldn't have been a more iconic ending," wrote a different person, while someone else described it as "the television highlight of the year."

His chosen charity, 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 industry observers.

"The idea of Alan, of all people, pulling off a masterclass in deceit felt about as likely as him keeping a straight face through his comedy routines."

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

"He might have come down to breakfast in a green cloak and I wouldn't have believed he was deceiving us. I was too busy laughing," one participant said.

"The majority didn't target him because how can you eliminate a person so loveable?" asked a different contestant.

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 work a second time!"

Thursday evening's episode was extended to over an hour on the network. There was an unusual opening than usual, as all the celebs knew who'd make it at the morning gathering.

There was particularly inspiring, and very un-Traitors-esque music, as the episode revisited some moments from every remaining player's time in the castle.

True to form, the comedian gave us unforgettable quotes.

"Let's face it, I started the competition as something of a nervous wreck. I've betrayed close allies under the bus, I've eliminated national treasures in plain sight. Apparently I'm a better liar and player than I thought."

Meanwhile, a different player noted that being in the final was "way more stressful than competing with a national team", while someone else said he was "completely amazed" to have lasted this long.

Early on in the episode, various contestants appeared to be attempting to become the fashion standout of the castle, replacing an earlier departed style leader.

The winner appeared at the morning meal resembling a vintage television personality in a checked maroon suit, later switching into an embellished light-colored outfit.

But he was outstyled by another contestant's burgundy formal wear. What a look.

Following this was the competition, with the final players boarding a train named - of course - The Traitors Express.

The challenge involved destroying images of eliminated players. Have sympathy for a player who was hit on the head multiple times by the lid of a substantial container.

Before long, it was time for the elimination discussion.

Two traitors did a pinky promise in advance, vowing to stick together. "We've progressed significantly, I won't betray him," said one, while the other just giggled.

And one did stick to his promise. But, having slipped under the radar for the majority of the competition, their partner still received the majority elimination votes.

The last deceiver looked like he was in a world of pain to be the final deceiver remaining. "Being alone, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, a rudderless ship."

Social media and viewers were similarly upset.

"I hoped against that player to be banished. A truly loveable traitor," said an observer.

"Your legacy will remain in Traitors history," wrote a different viewer.

However, there remained no time to dwell on their elimination. Soon, the game reached the endgame - which was the moment everyone anticipated.

The last players gathered around the fire pit. And the alliance broke down, precisely when it was most crucial, in a truly WTF moment.

A player was eliminated in dramatic fashion - following a surprising decision from their partner, who betrayed them.

"This pains me to be betrayed last minute in that manner," said the eliminated player. Subsequently, it was revealed that when they message, the eliminated contestant calls their former ally as a traitor.

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

A contestant, appearing quite pleased, chose to conclude the game. So did a different player, and everything depended on the third, who did the same - resulting in the traitor was the winner.

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

Fortunately, the winner quickly regained composure from his bout of tears, and could finally appreciate the moment.

"Such an emotional journey. I was awful at lying, my expressions gave me away and here I am the champion," he said.

He also made light of the memorable elimination - his best friend 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 last few weeks of famous people scheming, plotting and sometimes surprising incidents may seem like a bizarre fantasy. Yet it actually occur. It will be remembered fondly.