After multiple episodes of suspense, schemes and backstabbing, Celebrity Traitors concludes with a nail-biting end

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

Over the course of the show, audiences saw murders, betrayals, serious side-eye, and a memorable moment that cut through all suspense.

Yet on Thursday night, the ultimate victor of the first Celebrity Traitors emerged triumphant.

From 19 contestants, only five were left standing: Deceivers and loyal players facing off for the prize.

Soon, the field narrowed to just three: the final players.

Ultimately, funny man Alan Carr was crowned the winner, in a surprising outcome that broke the internet and made him tearful.

"It's been tearing me apart, my apologies," he exclaimed, revealing to the other players that he'd always been a traitor. "I'm an awful human being."

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

Social media quickly erupted with this development. "Most awful traitor ever being the best traitor ever," commented one user.

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

The organization he selected, a cancer charity, gets to keep all the prize money, with the total amount reaching £87,500.

Alan Carr's transformation from comic relief 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, among everyone, 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, the other contestants summed up why no one had truly doubted him.

"Alan could have appeared to the morning meal in traitor attire and I still wouldn't have thought 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 "absolutely loved" his time on the show.

"I want to do it again... I don't think it would work a second time!"

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

Viewers heard some very uplifting, and atypical for the show soundtrack, as the episode revisited key scenes from every remaining player's time in the castle.

True to form, Alan Carr gave us unforgettable quotes.

"Let's face it, I started the competition a bit of a nervous wreck. I've betrayed close allies to save myself, I've eliminated national treasures openly. I'm clearly more deceptive and player than I believed."

At the same time, a different player commented that reaching the conclusion was "significantly more pressure than competing with England", while another said he was "totally surprised" to have lasted this long.

In the beginning of the finale, various contestants appeared to be making a bid to become the fashion standout of the castle, taking over from an earlier departed fashionable contestant.

The winner appeared at the morning meal looking like a vintage television personality in a checked maroon suit, before changing into a bejewelled white suit.

But he was out-jacketted by another contestant's maroon velvet tuxedo. Impressive style.

Following this was the competition, with the remaining contestants getting on board a train named - naturally - The Traitors Express.

The challenge saw them destroying portraits of eliminated players. Have sympathy for one participant who managed to get hit in the head multiple times by the lid of a substantial container.

Before long, 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 betray him," said a player, while the other just giggled.

And one did stick to their agreement. Yet, having slipped under the radar for most of the game, their partner still received the majority elimination votes.

The last deceiver appeared he was in a world of pain to be the last traitor standing. "Now I'm on my own, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, without direction."

Social media and viewers 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," wrote a different viewer.

However, there remained no time to dwell on this departure. Soon, the game reached the final stage - which was the moment everyone anticipated.

The final four stood over the fire pit. Meanwhile, the partnership broke down, precisely when it mattered the most, in an absolutely shocking development.

A player was painfully banished - following a surprising decision from their ally, who turned against them.

"It hurts to be stabbed in the back at the final moment like that," said the ousted contestant. Subsequently, it was revealed that when they message, the eliminated contestant refers to the other as a traitor.

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

One player, appearing quite pleased, voted to end the competition. So did another, and everything depended on the final participant, who made the identical choice - resulting in the traitor was the winner.

According to commentators, the moment where remaining contestants consoled the champion was "beautiful TV". "I predict it could be in the running for memorable moment at television honors," they said.

Happily, the champion soon recovered from his bout of tears, and was able to enjoy the moment.

"What a rollercoaster. I was awful at lying, I had no poker face and now I stand a winner," the winner said.

And he even made light of that infamous murder - his best friend in an early episode - by leaning toward the host in the concluding moments and making contact.

"There's something on your face," he said, with his trademark giggle.

The recent episodes of celebrity gossiping, scheming and the occasional surprising incidents may seem like a bizarre fantasy. Yet it actually occur. It will be remembered fondly.