Following multiple episodes of tension, plots and sabotage, The Celebrity Traitors concludes with a thrilling end

Warning: spoilers ahead - This article discloses key moments from The Celebrity Traitors conclusion

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

Yet on Thursday night, the final winner of the inaugural celebrity edition was revealed.

Out of 19 contestants, only five were left standing: Traitors and loyal players facing off for the winnings.

Soon, the field narrowed to only three contenders: the remaining contestants.

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

"This has been destroying me, my apologies," he exclaimed, admitting to the remaining faithfuls that he'd always been a traitor. "I feel terrible about this."

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

Social media immediately exploded with this development. "The worst deceiver being the best traitor ever," commented a viewer.

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

The organization he selected, 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 comic relief to cold-hearted killer was one of the standout highlights of the season.

But his win still shocked viewers in shock, as noted by industry observers.

"The idea of Alan, of all people, executing an expert performance in deceit felt about as likely as him maintaining 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.

"He might have appeared to breakfast in traitor attire and I wouldn't have believed he was deceiving us. I was too busy laughing," one participant said.

"The majority didn't vote for him because how does one eliminate someone who is so charming?" questioned another celebrity.

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

"I'd like to do it again... I doubt it would work a second time!"

The final episode was lengthened to over an hour on television. There was a different start than typical episodes, as every celebrity knew who'd make it at the breakfast table.

There was some very uplifting, and atypical for the show music, as the episode revisited some moments from every remaining player's time in the castle.

As ever, the comedian provided unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I started the competition a bit of a nervous wreck. I've thrown close allies to save myself, I've murdered beloved figures openly. Apparently I'm a better liar and traitor than I thought."

At the same time, another contestant noted that being in the final was "way more stressful than competing with a national team", while someone else said he was "totally surprised" to have lasted this long.

In the beginning in the episode, several players appeared to be attempting to become the new style icon of the castle, taking over from an earlier departed fashionable contestant.

The winner appeared at the morning meal looking like a vintage television personality in patterned burgundy attire, later switching into a bejewelled white suit.

However, he got out-jacketted by a fellow player's maroon velvet tuxedo. What a look.

Next up was the challenge, with the remaining contestants getting on board a locomotive called - naturally - The Traitors Express.

The challenge involved ripping up portraits of eliminated players. Spare a thought for a player who was hit on the head THREE times by the cover of a substantial container.

Soon after, the moment arrived for the elimination discussion.

The deceivers made a pact beforehand, pledging to support each other. "We've come a long way, I'm not going to betray him," said a player, while the other just giggled.

And one did stick to his promise. Yet, managing to stay unnoticed for the majority of the competition, the other still received the majority elimination votes.

The last deceiver looked like he was in significant distress to be the last traitor standing. "Now I'm on my own, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm unpredictable, without direction."

Online platforms and onlookers were similarly upset.

"I hoped against this contestant to be eliminated. An endearing deceiver," commented an observer.

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

However, there remained little opportunity to dwell on their elimination. Before long, they were at the final stage - which was what we were really all here for.

The final four stood over the ceremonial fire. Meanwhile, the partnership collapsed, precisely when it was most crucial, in a truly WTF moment.

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

"This pains me to be betrayed at the final moment in that manner," said the eliminated player. Subsequently, we learned that when they message, the betrayed player calls 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 game. The same decision was made by a different player, and it all came down to the final participant, who did the same - resulting in the deceiver emerged victorious.

According to commentators, the moment where the other players consoled the winner was "beautiful TV". "I predict it will be in the running for outstanding scene at television honors," they said.

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

"Such an emotional journey. I thought I was terrible at deception, I had no poker face and now I stand the champion," he said.

And he even made light of the memorable elimination - his best friend during the initial stages - by leaning toward the host in the concluding moments and making contact.

"There's something on your face," he said, with his trademark giggle.

The last few weeks of famous people scheming, scheming and sometimes unexpected moments may feel like one big crazy jumbled dream. Yet it actually occur. It will be remembered fondly.