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

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

Throughout the season, viewers witnessed murders, double-crosses, intense glares, and an unforgettable incident that pierced the overwhelming suspense.

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

Out of nineteen participants, only five were left standing: Deceivers and faithfuls facing off for the prize.

Soon, the competition tightened to just three: the final players.

Ultimately, comedian Alan Carr emerged as the champion, in a surprising result that broke the internet and left him emotional.

"This has been destroying me, I'm so sorry," he exclaimed, admitting to the other players that he'd always been one of the deceivers. "I'm an awful human being."

"You played amazingly," they comforted him. "It's all right."

Social media immediately exploded with the news. "The worst deceiver being the most effective player," wrote a viewer.

"There could not have been a better conclusion," stated another, while someone else described it as "the television highlight of the year."

The organization he selected, Neuroblastoma UK, gets to keep the entire winnings, with the final pot amounting to £87,500.

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

But his win still left the nation in shock, according to industry observers.

"The idea of Alan, of all people, pulling off an expert performance in deceit felt about as likely as him maintaining composure through one of his own punchlines."

During follow-up conversations, the other contestants explained why no one had truly doubted him.

"He might have appeared to breakfast in a green cloak and I still wouldn't have thought he was deceiving us. His humor distracted me," one participant said.

"Most people didn't target him because how can you eliminate someone who is so loveable?" questioned a different contestant.

Carr said he had "thoroughly enjoyed" his experience with the program.

"I'd like to do it again... I don't think it would be successful a second time!"

Thursday evening's installment was extended to 70 minutes on the network. It had an unusual opening than usual, as all the celebs were aware who'd make it at the breakfast table.

There was particularly inspiring, and very un-Traitors-esque music, 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 the competition as something of a nervous wreck. I've betrayed close allies under the bus, I've murdered beloved figures in plain sight. I'm clearly a better liar and player than I thought."

Meanwhile, another contestant noted that reaching the conclusion was "way more stressful than playing for a national team", while someone else said he was "completely amazed" to have made it so far.

In the beginning of the finale, several players seemed to be attempting to become the new style icon of the competition, replacing the previously eliminated style leader.

Carr emerged at breakfast resembling a vintage television personality in a checked maroon suit, before changing into a bejewelled white suit.

But he was outstyled by a fellow player's maroon velvet tuxedo. Impressive style.

Next up was the competition, with the final players boarding a train named - naturally - The Deceivers' Railway.

The challenge saw them ripping up portraits of former contestants. Have sympathy for one participant who was hit in the head multiple times by the cover of a heavy wooden box.

Soon after, it was time for the elimination discussion.

Two traitors did a pinky promise beforehand, vowing to support each other. "We've come a long way, I'm not going to betray him," said a player, while the other just giggled.

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

The last deceiver looked like he was in 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 similarly upset.

"I hoped against that player to be eliminated. A truly loveable traitor," commented an observer.

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

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

The final four gathered around the fire pit. And the alliance collapsed, precisely when it was most crucial, in a truly WTF moment.

One contestant was eliminated in dramatic fashion - following a surprising decision from their partner, who turned against them.

"It hurts to be betrayed at the final moment in that manner," remarked the ousted contestant. Later, it was revealed that when they message, the betrayed player refers to the other as a traitor.

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

One player, looking incredibly smug, chose to conclude the game. The same decision was made by a different player, and everything depended on the final participant, who did the same - resulting in the traitor was the winner.

According to commentators, the moment where remaining contestants comforted the champion was "compelling television". "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 emotional outburst, and was able to enjoy his victory.

"Such an emotional journey. I thought I was terrible at deception, I had no poker face and here I am a winner," he said.

And he even made light of the memorable elimination - his best friend during the initial stages - 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 celebrity gossiping, scheming and the occasional unexpected moments may seem like one big crazy jumbled dream. But it really did occur. It will be remembered fondly.