Following multiple episodes of tension, plots and backstabbing, The Celebrity Traitors concludes with a nail-biting end

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

Over the course of the show, viewers witnessed murders, betrayals, intense glares, and a memorable moment that cut through all suspense.

Yet on Thursday night, the final winner of the first Celebrity Traitors was revealed.

Out of nineteen participants, only five remained: Traitors and faithfuls competing for the prize.

Before long, the field narrowed to only three contenders: the final players.

Ultimately, comedian Alan Carr emerged as the champion, in a surprising outcome that broke the internet 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 one of the deceivers. "I'm an awful human being."

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

Social media immediately exploded with the news. "Most awful traitor ever being the most effective player," commented one user.

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

His chosen charity, Neuroblastoma UK, gets to keep all the prize money, with the final pot amounting to eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

Alan Carr's transformation from comic relief to strategic player was among the most memorable aspects of the series.

However, his victory still shocked viewers surprised, as noted by entertainment reporters.

"The idea of Alan, among everyone, executing an expert performance in deception felt about as likely as him keeping composure through one of his own punchlines."

On subsequent discussions, the other contestants summed up the reasons nobody had ever really suspected him.

"He might have appeared to breakfast in a green cloak and I wouldn't have believed he was deceiving us. I was too busy laughing," a player said.

"Most people didn't vote for him because how can you eliminate someone who is so charming?" 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 work a second time!"

Thursday evening's episode was lengthened to 70 minutes on the network. There was a different start than usual, as all the celebs knew who would appear at the breakfast table.

There was particularly inspiring, and atypical for the show music, as we recapped key scenes from each of the finalists' time in the castle.

As ever, Alan Carr gave us unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I started the competition a bit of a nervous wreck. I've betrayed close allies to save myself, I've murdered beloved figures in plain sight. I'm clearly a better liar and traitor than I thought."

At the same time, another contestant noted that reaching the conclusion was "significantly more pressure than competing with a national team", while someone else said he was "completely amazed" to have made it so far.

Early on in the episode, various contestants seemed to be making a bid to become the new style icon of the castle, replacing an earlier departed style leader.

The winner appeared at the morning meal looking like a 1950s US chat show host in patterned burgundy attire, later switching into an embellished light-colored outfit.

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

Next up was the challenge, with the remaining contestants boarding a train named - naturally - The Traitors Express.

This task saw them ripping up portraits of former contestants. Spare a thought for a player who was hit on the head multiple times by the lid of a substantial container.

Soon after, the moment arrived for the elimination discussion.

The deceivers did a pinky promise in advance, pledging to support each other. "We've progressed significantly, I'm not going to betray him," stated a player, while their partner simply laughed.

However, one adhered to their agreement. Yet, having slipped unnoticed for the majority of the competition, their partner still received the majority elimination votes.

The last deceiver looked like to be experiencing significant distress 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 did NOT want that player to be eliminated. A truly loveable traitor," said a commentator.

"You will forever be remembered in Traitors history," wrote another user.

But there was little opportunity to dwell on their elimination. Soon, they were at the endgame - this being what we were really all here for.

The last players stood over the ceremonial fire. And the alliance 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 betrayed them.

"It hurts to be stabbed in the back at the final moment in that manner," said the ousted contestant. Later, it was revealed that when they message, the eliminated contestant refers to the other by a betrayer's name.

Ultimately, just three players were still competing: the last participants.

One player, appearing quite pleased, chose to conclude the competition. The same decision was made by a different player, and everything depended on the final participant, who made the identical choice - which meant that the deceiver was the winner.

According to commentators, the moment where remaining contestants comforted the champion was "compelling television". "I anticipate it will be in the running for outstanding scene at television honors," they commented.

Fortunately, the champion soon recovered from his emotional outburst, and could finally appreciate the moment.

"Such an emotional journey. I was awful at lying, my expressions gave me away and now I stand the champion," he said.

He also joked about that infamous murder - his close ally during the initial stages - by leaning toward the host in the final scene and making contact.

"You've got something on your face," he said, with his characteristic laugh.

The recent episodes of celebrity gossiping, scheming and the occasional unexpected moments may seem like one big crazy jumbled dream. Yet it actually all happen. And we will miss it.