After multiple episodes of suspense, schemes and sabotage, Celebrity Traitors concludes with a thrilling end

Spoiler alert - This article discloses details from Celebrity Traitors conclusion

Over the course of the show, audiences saw eliminations, double-crosses, serious side-eye, and an unforgettable incident that cut through the overwhelming tension.

Yet on Thursday night, the ultimate victor of the first celebrity edition emerged triumphant.

From 19 contestants, only five remained: Deceivers and loyal players facing off for the winnings.

Soon, the competition tightened to just three: the remaining contestants.

In the end, comedian Alan Carr was crowned the champion, in a shocking outcome that went viral and left him emotional.

"This has been destroying me, I'm so sorry," he declared, revealing to the other players that he was actually one of the deceivers. "I feel terrible about this."

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

Online platforms immediately exploded with the news. "Most awful traitor ever being the most effective player," commented a viewer.

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

His chosen charity, a cancer charity, will receive all the prize money, with the total amount reaching 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 series.

But his win still left the nation in shock, as noted by entertainment reporters.

"The idea of Alan, of all people, pulling off an expert performance in deceit felt about as likely as him keeping a straight face through one of his own punchlines."

During follow-up conversations, fellow players explained why no one had ever really suspected him.

"Alan could have appeared to breakfast in a green cloak and I still wouldn't have thought he was a traitor. I was too busy laughing," one participant said.

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

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

"I want to participate once more... I don't think it would be successful again!"

Thursday evening's installment was extended to over an hour on the network. It had a different start than typical episodes, as every celebrity were aware who would appear at the breakfast table.

Viewers heard some very uplifting, and very un-Traitors-esque music, as we recapped some moments from every remaining player's time in the castle.

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

"To be honest, I started this game a bit of a nervous wreck. I've betrayed some really good friends under the bus, I've murdered beloved figures openly. I'm clearly more deceptive and traitor than I thought."

At the same time, another contestant commented that being in the final was "way more stressful than playing for England", while someone else said he was "completely amazed" to have lasted this long.

In the beginning in the episode, various contestants seemed to be making a bid to become the fashion standout of the competition, taking over from an earlier departed style leader.

The winner appeared at breakfast looking like a 1950s US chat show host in a checked maroon suit, before changing into an embellished light-colored outfit.

But he was out-jacketted by a fellow player's maroon velvet tuxedo. What a look.

Next up was the challenge, with the remaining contestants boarding a train named - naturally - The Deceivers' Railway.

The challenge involved ripping up portraits of eliminated players. Spare a thought for one participant who managed to get hit in the head THREE times by the lid of a heavy wooden box.

Soon after, it was time for the elimination discussion.

Two traitors did a pinky promise 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 just giggled.

However, one did stick to his promise. Yet, managing to stay under the radar for most of the game, their partner still got the most votes.

The remaining traitor looked like to be experiencing significant distress 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 hoped against that player to be eliminated. A truly loveable traitor," said an observer.

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

But there was no time to focus on their elimination. Soon, the game reached the endgame - which was the moment everyone anticipated.

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

One contestant was eliminated in dramatic fashion - following a surprising decision from their partner, who turned against them.

"This pains me to be betrayed at the final moment in that manner," said the ousted contestant. Later, it was revealed that when they message, the eliminated contestant calls the other by a betrayer's name.

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

A contestant, looking incredibly smug, voted to end the game. So did a different player, and it all came down to the final participant, who made the identical choice - which meant that the deceiver was the winner.

For observers, the moment where remaining contestants comforted the winner was "compelling television". "I anticipate it could be in the running for outstanding scene at television honors," they commented.

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

"What a rollercoaster. I thought I was terrible at deception, I had no poker face and now I stand the champion," the winner said.

And he even joked about that infamous murder - his best friend during the initial stages - by reaching over the presenter 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, scheming and sometimes unexpected moments may seem like a bizarre fantasy. Yet it actually occur. And we will miss it.