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

Warning: spoilers ahead - This article discloses details from Celebrity Traitors finale

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

Yet on Thursday night, the ultimate victor of the first celebrity edition emerged triumphant.

From 19 contestants, just a handful were left standing: Deceivers and faithfuls facing off for the winnings.

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

Ultimately, funny man Alan Carr emerged as the winner, in a shocking outcome that broke the internet and made him tearful.

"This has been destroying me, I'm so sorry," he exclaimed, admitting to the remaining faithfuls that he'd always been a traitor. "I feel terrible about this."

"You played amazingly," they comforted him. "Everything's fine."

Online platforms immediately exploded with this development. "Most awful traitor ever being the most effective player," wrote one user.

"There could not have been a more iconic ending," stated another, while a third called it "the television highlight of the year."

The organization he selected, Neuroblastoma UK, will receive the entire winnings, with the total amount reaching £87,500.

The comedian's evolution from giggle liability to strategic player was one of the standout highlights of the season.

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

"The idea of Alan, among everyone, executing a masterclass in deception felt just as probable as him maintaining composure through one of his own punchlines."

On subsequent discussions, fellow players summed up why no one had truly doubted him.

"He might have come down to the morning meal in a green cloak and I wouldn't have believed he was a traitor. His humor distracted me," one participant said.

"The majority didn't target him because how can you vote for someone who is so charming?" asked a different contestant.

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

"I want to participate once more... I don't think it would be successful a second time!"

The final installment was lengthened to over an hour on the network. There was an unusual opening than typical episodes, as all the celebs were aware who'd make it at the breakfast table.

There was particularly inspiring, and very un-Traitors-esque soundtrack, as the episode revisited key scenes from each of the finalists' experience in the game.

True to form, Alan Carr provided unforgettable quotes.

"Let's face it, I started the competition a bit of an anxious mess. I've thrown some really good friends under the bus, I've murdered beloved figures in plain sight. Apparently I'm a better liar and traitor than I thought."

Meanwhile, another contestant commented that reaching the conclusion was "significantly more pressure than competing with England", while someone else said he was "completely amazed" to have lasted this long.

In the beginning in the episode, various contestants appeared to be attempting to become the new style icon of the castle, taking over from the previously eliminated fashionable contestant.

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 another contestant's maroon velvet tuxedo. What a look.

Next up was the competition, with the final players getting on board a train named - of course - The Traitors Express.

This task involved ripping up portraits of former contestants. Have sympathy for one participant who was hit on the head multiple times by the cover of a substantial container.

Soon after, the moment arrived for the roundtable.

Two traitors made a pact beforehand, pledging to stick together. "We've progressed significantly, I'm not going to throw him under a bus," stated one, while their partner simply laughed.

However, one did stick to their agreement. But, having slipped unnoticed for most of the game, their partner still received the majority elimination votes.

The last deceiver appeared to be experiencing significant distress to be the last traitor standing. "Being alone, 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. An endearing deceiver," said an observer.

"Your legacy will remain in Traitors history," wrote another user.

However, there remained little opportunity to dwell on this departure. Soon, the game reached the final stage - which was the moment everyone anticipated.

The final four stood over the ceremonial fire. Meanwhile, the partnership broke down, just when it mattered the most, in a truly WTF moment.

One contestant was painfully banished - after a shock vote from their ally, who betrayed them.

"This pains me to be betrayed at the final moment like that," said the eliminated player. Later, we learned that when they message, the betrayed player calls their former ally as a traitor.

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

One player, appearing quite pleased, voted to end the competition. So did a different player, and everything depended on the third, who did the same - which meant that the deceiver emerged victorious.

For observers, the moment where remaining contestants consoled the winner was "beautiful TV". "I predict it could be in the running for memorable moment at next year's awards," they commented.

Fortunately, the winner soon recovered from his emotional outburst, and was able to enjoy his victory.

"What a rollercoaster. I thought I was terrible at deception, I had no poker face and now I stand a winner," he said.

He also made light of that infamous murder - his close ally 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 characteristic laugh.

The last few weeks of famous people scheming, plotting and sometimes unexpected moments may seem like a bizarre fantasy. Yet it actually occur. And we will miss it.