Following weeks of suspense, plots and backstabbing, The Celebrity Traitors has reached a thrilling finale

Warning: spoilers ahead - This article reveals details from The Celebrity Traitors conclusion

Over the course of the show, viewers witnessed murders, betrayals, serious side-eye, and a memorable moment that cut through the overwhelming suspense.

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

From nineteen participants, only five were left standing: Deceivers and faithfuls facing off for the winnings.

Soon, the field narrowed to only three contenders: the remaining contestants.

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

"It's been tearing me apart, my apologies," he exclaimed, revealing to the remaining faithfuls that he was actually one of the deceivers. "I'm an awful human being."

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

Social media immediately exploded with this development. "The worst deceiver being the best traitor ever," commented a viewer.

"It couldn't have been a better conclusion," wrote a different person, while someone else called it "the television highlight of the year."

His chosen charity, Neuroblastoma UK, will receive the entire winnings, with the total amount amounting to eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

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

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

"The thought of him, of all people, pulling off an expert performance in deception 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 appeared to breakfast in a green cloak and I still wouldn't have thought he was deceiving us. I was too busy laughing," one participant said.

"The majority didn't target him because how does one eliminate a person so charming?" questioned a different contestant.

Carr said he had "absolutely loved" his experience with the show.

"I'd like to do it again... I doubt it would work a second time!"

Thursday evening's installment was extended to 70 minutes on the network. It had 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 every remaining player's time in the castle.

As ever, Alan Carr provided some of the most memorable lines.

"To be honest, I began this game a bit of a nervous wreck. I've betrayed close allies under the bus, I've eliminated beloved figures openly. Apparently I'm more deceptive and traitor than I believed."

At the same time, a different player commented that reaching the conclusion was "way more stressful than playing for a national team", while another said he was "completely amazed" to have made it so far.

Early on of the finale, several players appeared to be attempting to become the fashion standout of the competition, replacing the previously eliminated style leader.

The winner appeared at the morning meal looking like a 1950s US chat show host 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 challenge, with the final players getting on board a locomotive called - of course - The Traitors Express.

The challenge saw them ripping up images of eliminated players. Have sympathy for one participant who was hit in the head multiple times by the lid of a substantial container.

Before long, the moment arrived for the roundtable.

The deceivers made a pact beforehand, pledging to stick together. "We've progressed significantly, I'm not going to betray him," stated one, while their partner simply laughed.

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

The remaining traitor appeared he was in significant distress to be the last traitor standing. "Now I'm on my own, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, without direction."

Online platforms and onlookers were equally disappointed.

"I did NOT want that player to be eliminated. A truly loveable traitor," said an observer.

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

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

The final four stood over the fire pit. And the alliance broke down, precisely when it was most crucial, in an absolutely shocking development.

A player was eliminated in dramatic fashion - after a shock vote from their ally, who betrayed them.

"This pains me to be stabbed in the back at the final moment like that," remarked the eliminated player. Subsequently, we learned that if they ever communicate, the eliminated contestant calls their former ally as a traitor.

Finally, only three contestants were still competing: the last participants.

One player, appearing quite pleased, chose to conclude the game. The same decision was made by another, and it all came down to the final participant, who made the identical choice - which meant that the deceiver emerged victorious.

For observers, the moment where remaining contestants comforted the winner was "beautiful TV". "I anticipate it could be a contender for outstanding scene at television honors," they commented.

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, my expressions gave me away and here I am a winner," the winner said.

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

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

The last few weeks of famous people scheming, scheming and the occasional unexpected moments may seem like one big crazy jumbled dream. Yet it actually occur. And we will miss it.