Following weeks of suspense, plots and sabotage, The Celebrity Traitors concludes with a nail-biting end

Spoiler alert - This article reveals key moments from The Celebrity Traitors conclusion

Over the course of the show, viewers witnessed eliminations, double-crosses, intense glares, and a memorable moment that cut through all tension.

Yet on the final evening, the ultimate victor of the first Celebrity Traitors was revealed.

Out of 19 contestants, only five were left standing: Deceivers and loyal players facing off for the prize.

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

Ultimately, funny man Alan Carr emerged as the champion, in a surprising outcome that went viral and made him tearful.

"This has been destroying me, I'm so sorry," he exclaimed, admitting to the remaining faithfuls that he'd always been a traitor. "I'm an awful human being."

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

Social media immediately exploded with this development. "Most awful traitor ever being the most effective player," wrote a viewer.

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

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

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

But his win still shocked viewers in shock, as noted by entertainment reporters.

"The thought of him, of all people, pulling off a masterclass in deceit felt just as probable as him keeping a straight face through one of his own punchlines."

On subsequent discussions, the other contestants summed up the reasons nobody had truly doubted him.

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

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

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

"I'd like to do it again... I don't think it would work again!"

Thursday evening's episode was extended to over an hour on the network. There was a different start than usual, as every celebrity were aware who'd make it at the morning gathering.

There was particularly inspiring, and atypical for the show music, as we recapped key scenes from every remaining player's experience in the game.

True to form, Alan Carr gave us unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I began the competition a bit of a nervous wreck. I've thrown some really good friends under the bus, I've eliminated national treasures openly. I'm clearly more deceptive and traitor than I thought."

Meanwhile, a different player commented that being in the final was "way more stressful than competing with a national team", while someone else said he was "completely amazed" to have lasted this long.

Early on in the episode, several players appeared to be making a bid to become the fashion standout of the castle, taking over from an earlier departed fashionable contestant.

The winner appeared at the morning meal resembling a 1950s US chat show host in patterned burgundy attire, later switching into an embellished light-colored outfit.

But he was out-jacketted by a fellow player's burgundy formal wear. Impressive style.

Next up was the challenge, with the final players boarding a train named - of course - The Deceivers' Railway.

This task saw them ripping up portraits of former contestants. Have sympathy for one participant who managed to get hit in the head THREE times by the cover of a substantial container.

Before long, it was time for the elimination discussion.

Two traitors did a pinky promise beforehand, pledging to support each other. "We've progressed significantly, I won't betray him," stated a player, while the other simply laughed.

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

The last deceiver 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, a rudderless ship."

Social media and viewers were equally disappointed.

"I hoped against that player to be eliminated. An endearing deceiver," said an observer.

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

However, there remained little opportunity to dwell on this departure. Soon, the game reached the endgame - which was the moment everyone anticipated.

The final four gathered around the ceremonial fire. Meanwhile, the partnership broke down, just when it was most crucial, in an absolutely shocking development.

A player was eliminated in dramatic fashion - following a surprising decision from their ally, who turned against them.

"It hurts to be stabbed in the back last minute like that," remarked the eliminated player. Later, we learned that if they ever communicate, the eliminated contestant calls the other by a betrayer's name.

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

A contestant, looking incredibly smug, chose to conclude 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 emerged victorious.

For observers, the moment where remaining contestants consoled the champion was "beautiful TV". "I anticipate it will be in the running for memorable moment at television honors," they said.

Happily, the winner quickly regained composure from his bout of tears, and could finally appreciate the moment.

"Such an emotional journey. I thought I was terrible at deception, I had no poker face and now I stand the champion," the winner said.

He also joked about that infamous murder - his close ally during the initial stages - by reaching over the presenter in the final scene and making contact.

"You've got something on your face," he said, with his trademark giggle.

The recent episodes of celebrity gossiping, plotting and sometimes surprising incidents may feel like a bizarre fantasy. But it really did all happen. It will be remembered fondly.