After weeks of tension, plots and backstabbing, Celebrity Traitors concludes with a thrilling end

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

Over the course of the show, audiences saw murders, 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, just a handful were left standing: Deceivers and loyal players facing off for the prize.

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

Ultimately, funny man Alan Carr emerged as the champion, in a surprising outcome that went viral and made him tearful.

"This has been destroying me, I'm so sorry," he declared, revealing to the other players that he'd always been a traitor. "I feel terrible about this."

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

Online platforms quickly erupted with the news. "Most awful traitor ever being the best traitor ever," commented a viewer.

"There could not have been a more iconic ending," stated a different person, while a third described it as "the television highlight of the year."

His chosen charity, Neuroblastoma UK, gets to keep all the prize money, with the final pot reaching £87,500.

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

However, his victory still left the nation in shock, according to entertainment reporters.

"The idea of Alan, of all people, executing a masterclass in deception felt just as probable as him keeping a straight face through one of his own punchlines."

During follow-up conversations, fellow players explained the reasons nobody had ever really suspected him.

"He might have come down to the morning meal 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 vote for him because how does one eliminate a person so loveable?" questioned a different contestant.

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

"I want to participate once more... I doubt it would be successful again!"

Thursday evening's episode was extended to 70 minutes on the network. It had an unusual opening than usual, as all the celebs were aware who would appear at the morning gathering.

There was particularly inspiring, and atypical for the show music, as we recapped key scenes from every remaining player's time in the castle.

As ever, the comedian gave us unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I began the competition a bit of an anxious mess. I've thrown close allies to save myself, I've murdered beloved figures openly. I'm clearly a better liar and player than I believed."

Meanwhile, a different player noted that being in the final was "way more stressful than competing with England", while another said he was "completely amazed" to have lasted this long.

Early on of the finale, various contestants appeared to be attempting to become the new style icon of the competition, taking over from an earlier departed style leader.

Carr emerged at breakfast looking like a vintage television personality in a checked maroon suit, later switching into an embellished light-colored outfit.

But he was outstyled by another contestant's maroon velvet tuxedo. Impressive style.

Next up was the challenge, with the final players getting on board a locomotive called - of course - The Deceivers' Railway.

The challenge saw them ripping up images of eliminated players. Spare a thought for a player who was hit in the head THREE times by the cover of a heavy wooden box.

Soon after, it was time for the roundtable.

Two traitors did a pinky promise in advance, pledging to support each other. "We've progressed significantly, I'm not going to throw him under a bus," stated one, while their partner simply laughed.

And one did stick to their agreement. But, managing to stay under the radar for the majority of the competition, the other still received the majority elimination votes.

The last deceiver looked like he was in a world of pain to be the last traitor standing. "Being alone, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm unpredictable, without direction."

Online platforms and viewers were equally disappointed.

"I hoped against that player to be banished. A truly loveable traitor," commented an observer.

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

However, there remained little opportunity to focus on their elimination. Soon, the game reached the final stage - which was what we were really all here for.

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

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

"It hurts to be betrayed at the final moment in that manner," said the ousted contestant. Later, it was revealed that if they ever communicate, the eliminated contestant refers to their former ally as a traitor.

Finally, only three contestants remained in the game: the last participants.

A contestant, appearing quite pleased, voted to end the competition. So did a different player, and everything depended on the third, who made the identical choice - resulting in the deceiver emerged victorious.

For observers, the moment where the other players comforted the winner was "beautiful TV". "I anticipate it will be a contender for memorable moment at television honors," they said.

Fortunately, the winner quickly regained composure from his bout of tears, and was able to enjoy the moment.

"What a rollercoaster. I was awful at lying, my expressions gave me away and now I stand the champion," the winner said.

He also made light of the memorable elimination - his best friend during the initial stages - by leaning toward the host 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 sometimes unexpected moments may feel like one big crazy jumbled dream. Yet it actually all happen. And we will miss it.