Following weeks of suspense, plots and backstabbing, Celebrity Traitors has reached a nail-biting finale

Spoiler alert - This piece discloses details from The Celebrity Traitors conclusion

Throughout the season, viewers witnessed murders, double-crosses, serious side-eye, and an unforgettable incident that pierced all tension.

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

Out of 19 contestants, just a handful remained: Deceivers and faithfuls facing off for the prize.

Soon, the competition tightened to only three contenders: the remaining contestants.

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

"This has been destroying me, my apologies," he exclaimed, revealing to the other players that he'd always been one of the deceivers. "I feel terrible about this."

"You did brilliantly," they consoled him. "It's all right."

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

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

His chosen charity, a cancer charity, gets to keep the entire winnings, with the total amount amounting to eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

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 surprised, according to industry observers.

"The idea of Alan, of all people, executing a masterclass in deception felt about as likely as him keeping a straight face through one of his own punchlines."

During follow-up conversations, the other contestants summed up the reasons nobody 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 does one vote for a person so charming?" asked another celebrity.

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

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

The final installment was lengthened to 70 minutes on the network. There was a different start than typical episodes, as all the celebs knew who'd make it at the breakfast table.

There was some very uplifting, and atypical for the show soundtrack, as we recapped some moments from every remaining player's time in the castle.

True to form, Alan Carr provided unforgettable quotes.

"Let's face it, I started this game as something of an anxious mess. I've thrown close allies to save myself, I've murdered national treasures in plain sight. Apparently I'm more deceptive and traitor than I thought."

At the same time, a different player noted that reaching the conclusion was "way more stressful than competing with England", while someone else said he was "completely amazed" to have lasted this long.

Early on of the finale, various contestants appeared to be making a bid to become the fashion standout of the competition, replacing the previously eliminated style leader.

Carr emerged at breakfast looking like a 1950s US chat show host in a checked maroon suit, later switching into an embellished light-colored outfit.

But he was outstyled by another contestant's maroon velvet tuxedo. Impressive style.

Next up was the competition, with the remaining contestants boarding a locomotive called - naturally - The Traitors Express.

This task involved destroying images of eliminated players. Spare a thought for a player who managed to get hit in the head THREE times by the cover of a heavy wooden box.

Soon after, it was time for the elimination discussion.

The deceivers made a pact in advance, pledging to stick together. "We've come a long way, I'm not going to throw him under a bus," said one, while the other simply laughed.

And one did stick to their agreement. But, managing to stay under the radar for the majority of the competition, the other still received the majority elimination votes.

The last deceiver appeared he was in a world of pain to be the last traitor standing. "Being alone, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm unpredictable, without direction."

Online platforms and onlookers were equally disappointed.

"I did NOT want this contestant to be eliminated. A truly loveable traitor," commented a commentator.

"Your legacy will remain in the show's legacy," posted another user.

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

The last players stood over the ceremonial fire. Meanwhile, the partnership broke down, just when it was most crucial, in an absolutely shocking development.

One contestant was painfully banished - following a surprising decision from their partner, who betrayed them.

"This pains me to be stabbed in the back last minute in that manner," said the ousted contestant. Subsequently, we learned that if they ever communicate, the eliminated contestant refers to the other as a traitor.

Finally, just three players were still competing: the last participants.

A contestant, appearing quite pleased, voted to end the game. The same decision was made by another, and everything depended on the final participant, who made the identical choice - which meant that the deceiver emerged victorious.

According to commentators, the moment where the other players comforted the champion was "compelling television". "I anticipate 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 could finally appreciate the moment.

"Such an emotional journey. I was awful at lying, my expressions gave me away and here I am a winner," the winner said.

He also made light of that infamous murder - his best friend during the initial stages - by reaching over the presenter in the final scene 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. But it really did occur. And we will miss it.