Following multiple episodes of suspense, plots and sabotage, The Celebrity Traitors has reached a nail-biting end

Warning: spoilers ahead - This piece discloses details from Celebrity Traitors conclusion

Throughout the season, audiences saw eliminations, double-crosses, intense glares, and a memorable moment that pierced all tension.

However on Thursday night, the ultimate victor of the first celebrity edition was revealed.

From 19 contestants, just a handful were left standing: Deceivers and loyal players competing for the prize.

Soon, the competition tightened to just three: the final players.

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

"This has been destroying me, my apologies," he exclaimed, admitting to the remaining faithfuls that he was actually a traitor. "I'm an awful human being."

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

Social media quickly erupted with this development. "Most awful traitor ever being the most effective player," commented 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."

The organization he selected, Neuroblastoma UK, gets to keep the entire winnings, with the final pot amounting to eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

The comedian's evolution from comic relief to cold-hearted killer was among the most memorable aspects of the series.

But his win still shocked viewers surprised, as noted by entertainment reporters.

"The thought of him, of all people, executing a masterclass in deception felt about as likely as him maintaining a straight face through his comedy routines."

On subsequent discussions, fellow players explained why no one had ever really suspected him.

"Alan could have appeared to breakfast in traitor attire and I wouldn't have believed he was deceiving us. His humor distracted me," one participant said.

"The majority didn't vote for him because how does one eliminate someone who is so charming?" asked a different contestant.

Carr said he had "thoroughly enjoyed" his time on the show.

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

Thursday evening's episode was extended to 70 minutes on the network. It had an unusual opening than usual, as all the celebs knew who'd make it at the morning gathering.

Viewers heard some very uplifting, and atypical for the show soundtrack, as we recapped some moments from every remaining player's time in the castle.

True to form, Alan Carr gave us unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I started the competition a bit of a nervous wreck. I've betrayed close allies to save myself, I've eliminated beloved figures openly. Apparently I'm more deceptive and player than I thought."

Meanwhile, another contestant commented that reaching the conclusion was "way more stressful than playing for a national team", while someone else said he was "completely amazed" to have made it so far.

In the beginning in the episode, various contestants appeared to be attempting to become the new style icon of the castle, taking over from an earlier departed style leader.

Carr emerged at the morning meal looking like a 1950s US chat show host in a checked maroon suit, later switching 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 challenge, with the final players getting on board a train named - naturally - The Traitors Express.

This task saw them ripping up portraits of former contestants. Have sympathy for a player who managed to get hit in the head multiple times by the lid of a heavy wooden box.

Soon after, the moment arrived for the elimination discussion.

The deceivers did a pinky promise in advance, pledging to support each other. "We've come a long way, I'm not going to throw him under a bus," said a player, while their partner just giggled.

And one did stick to their agreement. Yet, having slipped under the radar 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 final deceiver remaining. "Being alone, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, without direction."

Online platforms and viewers were similarly upset.

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

"Your legacy will remain in Traitors history," posted another user.

However, there remained no time to focus on this departure. Soon, they were at the final stage - this being the moment everyone anticipated.

The final four stood over the fire pit. And the alliance collapsed, just 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 stabbed in the back at the final moment like that," remarked the ousted contestant. Subsequently, we learned that when they message, the betrayed player refers to the other by a betrayer's name.

Ultimately, just three players were still competing: the final trio.

A contestant, looking incredibly smug, voted to end the competition. The same decision was made by another, and everything depended on the third, who did the same - resulting in the deceiver was the winner.

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

Fortunately, the champion soon recovered from his emotional outburst, and could finally appreciate his victory.

"What a rollercoaster. I was awful at lying, I had no poker face and now I stand the champion," he said.

He also joked about the memorable elimination - his best friend during the initial stages - by reaching over the presenter in the final scene and making contact.

"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 seem like one big crazy jumbled dream. Yet it actually occur. And we will miss it.