After multiple episodes of tension, schemes and backstabbing, Celebrity Traitors concludes with a thrilling finale

Warning: spoilers ahead - This piece reveals details from Celebrity Traitors finale

Over the course of the show, viewers witnessed eliminations, betrayals, 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.

From nineteen participants, only five were left standing: Traitors and loyal players facing off for the prize.

Soon, the field narrowed to just three: the remaining contestants.

Ultimately, funny man Alan Carr emerged as the champion, in a surprising result that broke the internet and left him emotional.

"It's been tearing me apart, my apologies," he exclaimed, revealing to the remaining faithfuls that he was actually a traitor. "I'm an awful human being."

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

Online platforms immediately exploded with this development. "The worst deceiver being the most effective player," commented one user.

"There could not have been a more iconic ending," stated another, while someone else described it as "the TV moment of the year."

The organization he selected, Neuroblastoma UK, will receive the entire winnings, with the total amount amounting to £87,500.

Alan Carr's transformation from comic relief to cold-hearted killer was one of the standout highlights of the season.

However, his victory still shocked viewers in shock, according to industry observers.

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

During follow-up conversations, fellow players summed up 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 deceiving us. His humor distracted me," one participant said.

"The majority didn't target him because how does one eliminate a person so charming?" questioned another celebrity.

The winner stated he had "absolutely loved" his experience with the show.

"I want to participate once more... I doubt it would work a second time!"

Thursday evening's episode was extended to over an hour on the network. There was a different start than typical episodes, as every celebrity were aware who'd make it at the breakfast table.

Viewers heard particularly inspiring, and atypical for the show soundtrack, as we recapped some moments from each of the finalists' time in the castle.

As ever, Alan Carr provided some of the most memorable lines.

"To be honest, I began the competition as something of a nervous wreck. I've thrown some really good friends to save myself, I've eliminated beloved figures openly. I'm clearly more deceptive and player than I believed."

Meanwhile, a different player noted that being in the final was "significantly more pressure than playing for a national team", while another said he was "completely amazed" to have made it so far.

Early on in the episode, several players seemed to be making a bid to become the fashion standout of the castle, replacing an earlier departed style leader.

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 outstyled by a fellow player's maroon velvet tuxedo. Impressive style.

Following this was the challenge, with the final players getting on board a train named - of course - The Traitors Express.

This task saw them destroying portraits of former contestants. Spare a thought for a player who managed to get hit in the head THREE times by the cover of a heavy wooden box.

Soon after, the moment arrived for the elimination discussion.

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

However, one did stick to his promise. 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 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 viewers were equally disappointed.

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

"Your legacy will remain in the show's legacy," wrote a different viewer.

But there was little opportunity to focus on this departure. Soon, the game reached the final stage - this being what we were really all here for.

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

A player was painfully banished - following a surprising decision from their partner, who turned against them.

"It hurts to be betrayed last minute like that," remarked the eliminated player. Subsequently, it was revealed that when they message, the betrayed player calls their former ally as a traitor.

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

A contestant, looking incredibly smug, voted to end the competition. So did another, and everything depended on the third, who did the same - resulting in the traitor was the winner.

For observers, the moment where the other players comforted the winner was "beautiful TV". "I anticipate it will be in the running for outstanding scene at television honors," they said.

Happily, the winner soon recovered from his emotional outburst, and was able to enjoy his victory.

"Such an emotional journey. I thought I was terrible at deception, I had no poker face and here I am the champion," the winner said.

He also made light of the memorable elimination - his best friend during the initial stages - by reaching over the host in the concluding moments and making contact.

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

The recent episodes of famous people scheming, plotting and the occasional surprising incidents may feel like a bizarre fantasy. Yet it actually all happen. And we will miss it.