Following multiple episodes of suspense, schemes and backstabbing, The Celebrity Traitors concludes with a thrilling finale

Spoiler alert - This piece discloses key moments from The Celebrity Traitors conclusion

Over the course of the show, audiences saw eliminations, betrayals, serious side-eye, and an unforgettable incident that pierced the overwhelming suspense.

However on Thursday night, the ultimate victor of the first celebrity edition was revealed.

From nineteen participants, just a handful were left standing: Traitors and loyal players competing for the prize.

Before long, the competition tightened to just three: the remaining contestants.

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

"It's been tearing me apart, my apologies," he declared, admitting to the other players that he'd always been one of the deceivers. "I feel terrible about this."

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

Online platforms immediately exploded with the news. "The worst deceiver being the most effective player," commented a viewer.

"There could not have been a more iconic ending," stated a different person, while a third described it as "the television highlight of the year."

The organization he selected, Neuroblastoma UK, gets to keep all the prize money, with the final pot amounting to eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

The comedian's evolution from comic relief to strategic player was among the most memorable aspects of the season.

But his win still shocked viewers surprised, as noted by industry observers.

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

On subsequent discussions, fellow players explained why no one had truly doubted him.

"He might have come down to breakfast in a green cloak and I still wouldn't have thought he was a traitor. His humor distracted me," a player said.

"Most people didn't target him because how can you vote for someone who is so loveable?" asked a different contestant.

The winner stated he had "absolutely loved" his experience with the show.

"I want to participate once more... I doubt it would be successful again!"

The final episode was lengthened to 70 minutes on television. There was an unusual opening than typical episodes, as every celebrity were aware who'd make it at the morning gathering.

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

True to form, Alan Carr gave us unforgettable quotes.

"Let's face it, I began this game a bit of an anxious mess. I've betrayed close allies under the bus, I've murdered beloved figures in plain sight. I'm clearly a better liar and traitor than I thought."

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

Early on in the episode, various contestants seemed to be making a bid to become the new style icon of the castle, replacing the previously eliminated fashionable contestant.

Carr emerged at the morning meal resembling a vintage television personality in patterned burgundy attire, before changing into an embellished light-colored outfit.

But he was outstyled by a fellow player's maroon velvet tuxedo. What a look.

Next up was the challenge, with the remaining contestants boarding a train named - naturally - The Traitors Express.

This task saw them destroying portraits of eliminated players. Have sympathy for a player who was hit on the head multiple times by the lid of a substantial container.

Soon after, it was time for the roundtable.

The deceivers made a pact beforehand, vowing to stick together. "We've progressed significantly, I won't betray him," said one, while the other just giggled.

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

The remaining traitor looked like he was in a world of pain to be the last traitor standing. "Being alone, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm unpredictable, without direction."

Online platforms and onlookers were similarly upset.

"I hoped against this contestant to be eliminated. An endearing deceiver," commented an observer.

"Your legacy will remain in Traitors history," posted a different viewer.

However, there remained little opportunity to focus on their elimination. Before long, the game reached the endgame - this being what we were really all here for.

The last players gathered around the fire pit. Meanwhile, the partnership collapsed, just when it mattered the most, in a truly WTF moment.

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

"It hurts to be betrayed last minute like that," said the eliminated player. Subsequently, it was revealed that when they message, the eliminated contestant refers to their former ally by a betrayer's name.

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

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

For observers, the scene where remaining contestants consoled the winner was "compelling television". "I anticipate it could be a contender for outstanding scene at next year's awards," they commented.

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

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

And he even made light of 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 last few weeks of famous people scheming, scheming and the occasional unexpected moments may seem like a bizarre fantasy. But it really did all happen. And we will miss it.