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

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

Throughout the season, audiences saw murders, double-crosses, intense glares, and a memorable moment that cut through the overwhelming tension.

Yet on Thursday night, the ultimate victor of the first Celebrity Traitors was revealed.

From 19 contestants, just a handful remained: Deceivers and loyal players competing for the prize.

Before long, the competition tightened to just three: the remaining contestants.

Ultimately, funny man Alan Carr emerged as the champion, in a shocking outcome that went viral and left him emotional.

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

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

Online platforms quickly erupted with this development. "Most awful traitor ever being the most effective player," commented a viewer.

"It couldn't have been a better conclusion," stated another, while a third called it "the television highlight of the year."

His chosen charity, 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 giggle liability to strategic player was one of the standout highlights of the series.

However, his victory still left the nation in shock, as noted by entertainment reporters.

"The idea of Alan, of all people, executing a masterclass in deception felt about as likely as him keeping composure through his comedy routines."

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

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

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

Carr said he had "absolutely loved" his time on the program.

"I'd like to participate once more... I doubt it would be successful a second time!"

Thursday evening's episode was extended to over an hour on television. It had a different start than typical episodes, as every celebrity were aware who would appear at the morning gathering.

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

As ever, Alan Carr provided unforgettable quotes.

"Let's face it, I started the competition a bit of an anxious mess. I've betrayed close allies to save myself, I've eliminated beloved figures in plain sight. I'm clearly a better liar and player than I believed."

Meanwhile, another contestant commented that reaching the conclusion was "significantly more pressure than playing for England", while another said he was "totally surprised" to have lasted this long.

In the beginning in the episode, various contestants appeared to be attempting to become the fashion standout of the competition, taking over from the previously eliminated style leader.

Carr emerged at breakfast resembling a 1950s US chat show host in patterned burgundy attire, later switching into a bejewelled white suit.

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

Next up was the challenge, with the final players boarding a locomotive called - naturally - The Deceivers' Railway.

This task saw them destroying portraits of eliminated players. Have sympathy for one participant who was hit on the head multiple times by the cover of a heavy wooden box.

Soon after, it was time for the elimination discussion.

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

And one did stick to his promise. Yet, managing to stay under the radar for most of the game, the other still received the majority elimination votes.

The remaining traitor appeared he was in a world of pain to be the final deceiver remaining. "Now I'm on my own, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm unpredictable, a rudderless ship."

Online platforms and onlookers were equally disappointed.

"I did NOT want this contestant to be banished. A truly loveable traitor," said an observer.

"You will forever be remembered in the show's legacy," posted another user.

However, there remained no time to dwell on this departure. Before long, 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 collapsed, precisely when it was most crucial, in an absolutely shocking development.

One contestant was eliminated in dramatic fashion - following a surprising decision from their ally, who betrayed them.

"This pains me to be stabbed in the back at the final moment like that," said the ousted contestant. Subsequently, we learned that if they ever communicate, the eliminated contestant refers to the other by a betrayer's name.

Ultimately, just three players remained in the game: the final trio.

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

According to commentators, the scene where the other players comforted the champion was "compelling television". "I anticipate it will be a contender for outstanding scene at television honors," they said.

Fortunately, the winner soon recovered from his bout of tears, and was able to enjoy his victory.

"Such an emotional journey. I thought I was terrible at deception, my expressions gave me away and now I stand a winner," he said.

And he even joked about the memorable elimination - his best friend in an early episode - 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 last few weeks of celebrity gossiping, scheming and sometimes surprising incidents may feel like one big crazy jumbled dream. Yet it actually occur. It will be remembered fondly.