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

Spoiler alert - This article reveals details from The Celebrity Traitors finale

Throughout the season, audiences saw murders, double-crosses, serious side-eye, and an unforgettable incident that pierced all suspense.

However on the final evening, the ultimate victor of the inaugural Celebrity Traitors emerged triumphant.

From 19 contestants, only five remained: Deceivers and loyal players competing for the prize.

Soon, the field narrowed to only three contenders: the remaining contestants.

In the end, comedian Alan Carr was crowned the champion, in a surprising result that broke the internet and left him emotional.

"This has been destroying me, my apologies," he declared, revealing to the remaining faithfuls that he was actually one of the deceivers. "I feel terrible about this."

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

Social media immediately exploded with this development. "The worst deceiver being the best traitor ever," commented a viewer.

"It couldn't have been a better conclusion," stated a different person, while a third described it as "the TV moment of the year."

The organization he selected, Neuroblastoma UK, gets to keep all the prize money, with the total amount amounting to £87,500.

Alan Carr's transformation from comic relief to cold-hearted killer was one of the standout highlights of the season.

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

"The idea of Alan, of all people, executing an expert performance in deception felt just as probable as him keeping a straight face through his comedy routines."

On subsequent discussions, the other contestants summed up the reasons nobody had truly doubted him.

"He might have come down to breakfast in traitor attire and I still wouldn't have thought he was a traitor. I was too busy laughing," a player said.

"Most people didn't vote for him because how does one vote for a person so charming?" asked a different contestant.

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

"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. There was a different start than usual, as all the celebs knew who would appear at the morning gathering.

Viewers heard particularly inspiring, and atypical for the show soundtrack, as the episode revisited some moments from every remaining player's experience in the game.

As ever, the comedian gave us unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I started this game a bit of an anxious mess. I've thrown some really good friends to save myself, I've eliminated national treasures 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 someone else said he was "totally surprised" to have lasted this long.

In the beginning in the episode, various contestants seemed to be making a bid to become the new style icon of the castle, taking over from an earlier departed fashionable contestant.

Carr emerged at breakfast resembling a 1950s US chat show host in patterned burgundy attire, before changing into an embellished light-colored outfit.

But he was outstyled by a fellow player's burgundy formal wear. Impressive style.

Next up was the challenge, with the final players boarding a train named - of course - The Deceivers' Railway.

This task involved destroying portraits of former contestants. Spare a thought for a player who was hit in the head THREE times by the cover of a substantial container.

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 won't throw him under a bus," said a player, while their partner just giggled.

However, one adhered to their agreement. But, managing to stay unnoticed for the majority of the competition, their partner still got the most votes.

The last deceiver appeared to be experiencing a world of pain to be the last traitor standing. "Being alone, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, a rudderless ship."

Online platforms and onlookers were similarly upset.

"I did NOT want that player to be eliminated. An endearing deceiver," said a commentator.

"You will forever be remembered in the show's legacy," wrote a different viewer.

However, there remained no time to focus on this departure. Before long, they were at the endgame - which was the moment everyone anticipated.

The final four gathered around the fire pit. And the alliance broke down, precisely when it was most crucial, in an absolutely shocking development.

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

"It hurts to be stabbed in the back at the final moment like that," remarked the eliminated player. Subsequently, we learned that if they ever communicate, the betrayed player calls their former ally as a traitor.

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

One player, appearing quite pleased, voted to end the competition. The same decision was made by another, and it all came down to the final participant, who made the identical choice - resulting in the traitor was the winner.

According to commentators, the scene where the other players comforted the winner was "beautiful TV". "I predict it will be in the running for memorable moment at next year's awards," they said.

Happily, the champion quickly regained composure from his bout of tears, and was able to enjoy his victory.

"What a rollercoaster. I thought I was terrible at deception, my expressions gave me away and now I stand a winner," the winner said.

He also joked about that infamous murder - his best friend in an early episode - by leaning toward the host in the concluding moments and touching her cheek.

"There's something on your face," he said, with his characteristic laugh.

The last few weeks of famous people scheming, plotting and the occasional unexpected moments may feel like one big crazy jumbled dream. But it really did occur. And we will miss it.