Following multiple episodes of tension, schemes and sabotage, The Celebrity Traitors concludes with a thrilling finale

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

Over the course of the show, viewers witnessed murders, betrayals, intense glares, and an unforgettable incident that cut through all suspense.

However on Thursday night, the final winner of the inaugural Celebrity Traitors was revealed.

Out of 19 contestants, only five remained: Traitors and loyal players competing for the prize.

Before long, the field narrowed to just three: the remaining contestants.

Ultimately, comedian Alan Carr emerged as the winner, in a surprising result that broke the internet and made him tearful.

"This has been destroying me, I'm so sorry," he exclaimed, revealing to the remaining faithfuls that he'd always been one of the deceivers. "I feel terrible about this."

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

Social media immediately exploded with the news. "Most awful traitor ever being the best traitor ever," wrote a viewer.

"It couldn't have been a more iconic ending," stated another, while someone else described it as "the television highlight of the year."

His chosen charity, a cancer charity, will receive all the prize money, with the total amount reaching £87,500.

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

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

"The thought of him, among everyone, executing an expert performance in deceit felt just as probable as him maintaining composure through his comedy routines."

During follow-up conversations, the other contestants summed up the reasons nobody had ever really suspected him.

"Alan could have come down to the morning meal in a green cloak and I still wouldn't have thought he was a traitor. I was too busy laughing," one participant said.

"Most people didn't target him because how can you vote for someone who is so charming?" asked another celebrity.

The winner stated he had "thoroughly enjoyed" his experience with the show.

"I want to do it again... I doubt it would work again!"

The final installment was extended to 70 minutes on the network. It had an unusual opening than typical episodes, as all the celebs knew who'd make it at the morning gathering.

Viewers heard some very uplifting, and atypical for the show soundtrack, as the episode revisited key scenes from each of the finalists' time in the castle.

True to form, the comedian provided unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I started the competition as something of a nervous wreck. I've betrayed close allies under the bus, I've murdered national treasures openly. Apparently I'm more deceptive and traitor than I thought."

Meanwhile, another contestant commented that being in the final was "significantly more pressure than competing with a national team", while another said he was "totally surprised" to have lasted this long.

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

Carr emerged at breakfast 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 challenge, with the final players boarding a train named - naturally - The Deceivers' Railway.

The challenge involved destroying images of former contestants. Spare a thought for one participant who managed to get hit in the head multiple times by the lid of a heavy wooden box.

Before long, the moment arrived for the elimination discussion.

Two traitors made a pact beforehand, pledging to support each other. "We've come a long way, I won't throw him under a bus," said a player, while the other just giggled.

And one adhered to his promise. Yet, having slipped under the radar for most of the game, the other still received the majority elimination votes.

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

Social media and onlookers were similarly upset.

"I hoped against that player to be eliminated. An endearing deceiver," commented a commentator.

"You will forever be remembered in Traitors history," wrote a different viewer.

However, there remained little opportunity to focus on their elimination. Before long, they were at the endgame - which was the moment everyone anticipated.

The last players stood over the fire pit. Meanwhile, the partnership collapsed, just when it was most crucial, in a truly WTF moment.

A player was painfully banished - after a shock vote from their partner, who turned against them.

"This pains me to be betrayed last minute like that," said the ousted contestant. Subsequently, it was revealed that if they ever communicate, the eliminated contestant refers to the other by a betrayer's name.

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

One player, appearing quite pleased, voted to end the game. The same decision was made by a different player, and everything depended on the third, who made the identical choice - which meant that the deceiver was the winner.

For observers, the moment where the other players consoled the winner was "beautiful TV". "I predict it will be in the running for outstanding scene at next year's awards," they said.

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

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

And he even joked about that infamous murder - his close ally during the initial stages - by reaching over the host in the final scene and making contact.

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

The recent episodes of celebrity gossiping, plotting and the occasional unexpected moments may feel like a bizarre fantasy. Yet it actually all happen. It will be remembered fondly.