Following weeks of suspense, plots and sabotage, Celebrity Traitors has reached a nail-biting finale

Warning: spoilers ahead - This article discloses key moments from Celebrity Traitors conclusion

Over the course of the show, viewers witnessed eliminations, double-crosses, intense glares, and a memorable moment that pierced all tension.

Yet on Thursday night, the final winner of the first Celebrity Traitors emerged triumphant.

Out of 19 contestants, just a handful remained: Deceivers and faithfuls facing off for the prize.

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

In the end, comedian Alan Carr was crowned the winner, in a shocking result that went viral and made him tearful.

"It's been tearing me apart, my apologies," he declared, admitting to the remaining faithfuls that he'd always been one of the deceivers. "I feel terrible about this."

"You did brilliantly," they consoled him. "Everything's fine."

Online platforms immediately exploded with this development. "Most awful traitor ever being the best traitor ever," wrote a viewer.

"It couldn't have been a more iconic ending," wrote a different person, while a third called it "the television highlight of the year."

The organization he selected, a cancer charity, gets to keep the entire winnings, with the total amount reaching eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

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

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

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

On subsequent discussions, fellow players summed up why no one had ever really suspected him.

"He might have appeared to the morning meal in a green cloak and I wouldn't have believed he was deceiving us. I was too busy laughing," one participant said.

"The majority didn't target him because how does one vote for a person so loveable?" asked another celebrity.

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

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

Thursday evening's installment 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.

There was some very uplifting, and atypical for the show soundtrack, as the episode revisited key scenes from each of the finalists' time in the castle.

True to form, the comedian gave us some of the most memorable lines.

"To be honest, I began this game as something of a nervous wreck. I've betrayed some really good friends to save myself, I've murdered beloved figures openly. I'm clearly more deceptive and traitor than I believed."

At the same time, another contestant noted that reaching the conclusion was "way more stressful than competing with a national team", while someone else said he was "totally surprised" to have lasted this long.

Early on in the episode, several players appeared to be attempting to become the new style icon of the competition, replacing an earlier departed style leader.

The winner appeared at the morning meal resembling a 1950s US chat show host in patterned burgundy attire, later switching into a bejewelled white suit.

However, he got out-jacketted by a fellow player's burgundy formal wear. Impressive style.

Next up was the challenge, with the remaining contestants boarding a locomotive called - of course - The Traitors Express.

The challenge saw them destroying images of eliminated players. Spare a thought for a player who managed to get hit in the head multiple times by the cover of a substantial container.

Before long, it was time for the elimination discussion.

Two traitors did a pinky promise in advance, vowing to stick together. "We've come a long way, I won't throw him under a bus," stated one, while the other simply laughed.

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

The last deceiver looked like he was in significant distress to be the last traitor standing. "Now I'm on my own, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, without direction."

Social media and viewers were equally disappointed.

"I hoped against this contestant to be banished. A truly loveable traitor," said a commentator.

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

But there was no time to focus on their elimination. Before long, they were at the final stage - which was what we were really all here for.

The last players stood over the ceremonial fire. Meanwhile, the partnership collapsed, 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 at the final moment like that," remarked the eliminated player. Later, we learned that if they ever communicate, the eliminated contestant refers to the other as a traitor.

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

One player, looking incredibly smug, chose to conclude the competition. 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.

According to commentators, the scene where the other players comforted the winner was "compelling television". "I predict it will be a contender for memorable moment at television honors," they said.

Happily, the champion quickly regained composure from his emotional outburst, and could finally appreciate the moment.

"What a rollercoaster. I thought I was terrible at deception, I had no poker face and here I am the champion," he said.

He also made light of the memorable elimination - his best friend in an early episode - by leaning toward the host in the concluding moments and touching her cheek.

"You've got something on your face," he said, with his trademark giggle.

The last few weeks of famous people scheming, plotting and sometimes surprising incidents may feel like a bizarre fantasy. But it really did all happen. And we will miss it.