Following weeks of suspense, schemes and backstabbing, Celebrity Traitors concludes with a nail-biting finale

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

Over the course of the show, viewers witnessed murders, double-crosses, serious side-eye, and an unforgettable incident that cut through all tension.

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

Out of nineteen participants, only five remained: Deceivers and faithfuls competing for the winnings.

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

Ultimately, comedian Alan Carr was crowned the winner, in a shocking outcome that went viral and made him tearful.

"It's been tearing me apart, I'm so sorry," he declared, admitting to the other players that he'd always been a traitor. "I feel terrible about this."

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

Social media quickly erupted with the news. "The worst deceiver being the most effective player," commented one user.

"It couldn't have been a more iconic ending," stated a different person, while someone else called it "the television highlight of the year."

The organization he selected, a cancer charity, will receive all the prize money, with the total amount reaching £87,500.

The comedian's evolution from giggle liability to cold-hearted killer was among the most memorable aspects of the series.

However, his victory still shocked viewers surprised, as noted by industry observers.

"The idea of Alan, of all people, pulling off a masterclass in deception felt just as probable as him keeping composure through one of his own punchlines."

On subsequent discussions, the other contestants summed up why no one had truly doubted him.

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

"The majority didn't target him because how can you vote for a person so loveable?" questioned another celebrity.

Carr said he had "thoroughly enjoyed" his time on the show.

"I'd like to participate once more... I doubt it would work a second time!"

Thursday evening's episode was extended to over an hour on television. It had an unusual opening than usual, as every celebrity were aware who would appear at the morning gathering.

Viewers heard some very uplifting, and very un-Traitors-esque music, as the episode revisited key scenes from each of the finalists' experience in the game.

As ever, Alan Carr gave us unforgettable quotes.

"Let's face it, I began the competition a bit of an anxious mess. I've betrayed close allies to save myself, I've eliminated beloved figures in plain sight. I'm clearly a better liar and player than I thought."

Meanwhile, a different player noted that being in the final was "significantly more pressure than playing for a national team", while another said he was "completely amazed" to have lasted this long.

In the beginning of the finale, 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 looking like a vintage television personality in patterned burgundy attire, later switching into a bejewelled white suit.

However, he got outstyled by another contestant's burgundy formal wear. Impressive style.

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

The challenge involved ripping up portraits of eliminated players. Spare a thought for one participant who was hit in the head multiple times by the cover of a substantial container.

Soon after, it was time for the elimination discussion.

The deceivers did a pinky promise beforehand, vowing to stick together. "We've come a long way, I'm not going to betray him," stated one, while the other just giggled.

However, one did stick to his promise. But, managing to stay unnoticed for most of the game, their partner still received the majority elimination votes.

The last deceiver looked like to be experiencing a world of pain to be the final deceiver remaining. "Now I'm on my own, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, without direction."

Social media and onlookers were similarly upset.

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

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

But there was little opportunity to focus on their elimination. Before long, the game reached the final stage - this being what we were really all here for.

The last players stood over the fire pit. And the alliance collapsed, just when it mattered the most, in a truly WTF moment.

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

"It hurts to be stabbed in the back last minute like that," said the eliminated player. Subsequently, we learned that if they ever communicate, the betrayed player refers to the other as a traitor.

Ultimately, just three players remained in the game: the last participants.

A contestant, looking incredibly smug, chose to conclude the competition. So did another, and it all came down to the third, who made the identical choice - resulting in the deceiver emerged victorious.

According to commentators, the scene where remaining contestants comforted the champion was "beautiful TV". "I predict it will be a contender for outstanding scene at next year's awards," they said.

Fortunately, the champion quickly regained composure from his bout of tears, and could finally appreciate his victory.

"Such an emotional journey. I thought I was terrible at deception, my expressions gave me away and now I stand the champion," the winner said.

And he even joked about that infamous murder - his best friend in an early episode - by leaning toward the host in the final scene and touching her cheek.

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

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