After multiple episodes of tension, plots and sabotage, The Celebrity Traitors concludes with a nail-biting end

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

Throughout the season, audiences saw eliminations, betrayals, intense glares, and a memorable moment that cut through the overwhelming suspense.

Yet on Thursday night, the ultimate victor of the inaugural Celebrity Traitors was revealed.

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

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

Ultimately, comedian Alan Carr was crowned the winner, in a surprising result that went viral and left him emotional.

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

"You played amazingly," they comforted him. "It's all right."

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

"It couldn't have been a more iconic ending," stated another, while a third described it as "the TV moment of the year."

The organization he selected, Neuroblastoma UK, gets to keep the entire winnings, with the total amount reaching eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

The comedian's evolution from giggle liability to cold-hearted killer was one of the standout highlights of the season.

However, his victory still shocked viewers in shock, as noted by entertainment reporters.

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

On subsequent discussions, fellow players summed up why no one had truly doubted him.

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

"Most people didn't target him because how does one vote for someone who is so charming?" asked another celebrity.

The winner stated he had "absolutely loved" his time on the program.

"I'd like to do it again... I don't think it would work a second time!"

The final episode was extended to over an hour on television. There was a different start than typical episodes, as all the celebs were aware 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' experience in the game.

True to form, the comedian provided unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I began this game a bit of a nervous wreck. I've thrown some really good friends to save myself, I've eliminated beloved figures in plain sight. Apparently I'm a better liar and player than I believed."

Meanwhile, a different player commented that reaching the conclusion was "way more stressful than competing with England", while another said he was "completely amazed" to have made it so far.

In the beginning of the finale, several players appeared to be making a bid to become the fashion standout of the castle, replacing an earlier departed fashionable contestant.

The winner appeared at breakfast resembling a 1950s US chat show host in patterned burgundy attire, before changing into a bejewelled white suit.

However, he got outstyled by a fellow player's maroon velvet tuxedo. Impressive style.

Following this was the challenge, with the remaining contestants boarding a locomotive called - naturally - The Deceivers' Railway.

This task saw them ripping up portraits of eliminated players. Have sympathy for one participant who managed to get hit on the head multiple times by the cover of a heavy wooden box.

Before long, it was time for the elimination discussion.

The deceivers made a pact beforehand, pledging to support each other. "We've progressed significantly, I won't throw him under a bus," stated one, while their partner just giggled.

However, one did stick to their agreement. But, having slipped under the radar for most of the game, the other still got the most votes.

The last deceiver appeared to be experiencing a world of pain to be the final deceiver remaining. "Being alone, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, a rudderless ship."

Social media and onlookers were equally disappointed.

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

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

But there was no time to focus on this departure. Before long, they were at the endgame - this being the moment everyone anticipated.

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

A player was painfully banished - after a shock vote from their partner, who turned against them.

"It hurts to be betrayed at the final moment like that," said the ousted contestant. Later, we learned that when they message, the betrayed player refers to the other by a betrayer's name.

Ultimately, only three contestants were still competing: the final trio.

One player, appearing quite pleased, chose to conclude the competition. The same decision was made by a different player, and everything depended on the third, who made the identical choice - which meant that the deceiver emerged victorious.

According to commentators, the moment where remaining contestants comforted the champion was "beautiful TV". "I anticipate it will be in the running for outstanding scene at next year's awards," they said.

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

"Such an emotional journey. I thought I was terrible at deception, my expressions gave me away and now I stand the champion," the winner said.

He also joked about that infamous murder - his best friend during the initial stages - by leaning toward 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 the occasional surprising incidents may seem like a bizarre fantasy. But it really did all happen. It will be remembered fondly.