Following multiple episodes of suspense, schemes and backstabbing, The Celebrity Traitors has reached a thrilling end

Spoiler alert - This piece reveals details from The Celebrity Traitors conclusion

Throughout the season, audiences saw murders, betrayals, intense glares, and an unforgettable incident that cut through the overwhelming tension.

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

Out of nineteen participants, just a handful were left standing: Traitors and faithfuls competing for the winnings.

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

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

"This has been destroying me, I'm so sorry," he exclaimed, revealing to the other players that he'd always been one of the deceivers. "I'm an awful human being."

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

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

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

His chosen charity, a cancer charity, will receive the entire winnings, with the final pot amounting to £87,500.

The comedian's evolution from giggle liability to strategic player was one of the standout highlights of the season.

However, his victory still left the nation surprised, as noted by industry observers.

"The thought of him, of all people, executing an expert performance in deception felt about as likely as him keeping a straight face through one of his own punchlines."

On subsequent discussions, the other contestants explained why no one had truly doubted him.

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

"The majority didn't vote for him because how can you eliminate a person so loveable?" asked another celebrity.

The winner stated he had "thoroughly enjoyed" his experience with the program.

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

Thursday evening's episode was extended to 70 minutes on television. There was an unusual opening than typical episodes, as every celebrity knew who would appear at the morning gathering.

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

As ever, Alan Carr gave us unforgettable quotes.

"Let's face it, I began the competition a bit of a nervous wreck. I've thrown close allies under the bus, I've eliminated national treasures openly. I'm clearly a better liar and traitor than I thought."

At the same time, a different player commented that being in the final was "significantly more pressure than competing with England", while someone else said he was "completely amazed" to have lasted this long.

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

The winner appeared at the morning meal resembling 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 burgundy formal wear. What a look.

Next up was the competition, with the final players getting on board a train named - naturally - The Deceivers' Railway.

The challenge saw them destroying images of former contestants. Have sympathy for a player who managed to get hit on the head THREE times by the lid of a heavy wooden box.

Soon after, it was time for the elimination discussion.

Two traitors made a pact beforehand, vowing to support each other. "We've progressed significantly, I'm not going to throw him under a bus," said one, while the other simply laughed.

However, one did stick to his promise. But, having slipped under the radar for the majority of the competition, their partner still got the most votes.

The last deceiver appeared to be experiencing significant distress to be the final deceiver remaining. "Now I'm on my own, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm unpredictable, a rudderless ship."

Online platforms and viewers were similarly upset.

"I did NOT want that player to be eliminated. An endearing deceiver," said a commentator.

"You will forever be remembered in Traitors history," posted another user.

However, there remained no time to dwell on this departure. Soon, they were at the endgame - this being what we were really all here for.

The last players gathered around the fire pit. Meanwhile, the partnership broke down, precisely when it was most crucial, in an absolutely shocking development.

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

"This pains me to be betrayed last minute in that manner," remarked the ousted contestant. Subsequently, it was revealed that if they ever communicate, the betrayed player calls their former ally as a traitor.

Ultimately, only three contestants were still competing: the last participants.

A contestant, looking incredibly smug, chose to conclude the competition. The same decision was made by a different player, and it all came down to the final participant, who made the identical choice - resulting in the traitor emerged victorious.

According to commentators, the scene where the other players comforted the winner was "compelling television". "I predict it could be a contender for outstanding scene at television honors," they commented.

Fortunately, the champion quickly regained composure from his emotional outburst, 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 a winner," he said.

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

"There's something on your face," he said, with his characteristic laugh.

The last few weeks of famous people scheming, plotting and sometimes unexpected moments may seem like a bizarre fantasy. Yet it actually occur. And we will miss it.