Following multiple episodes of tension, schemes and backstabbing, The Celebrity Traitors concludes with a thrilling end

Warning: spoilers ahead - This piece discloses details from Celebrity Traitors finale

Throughout the season, viewers witnessed murders, betrayals, intense glares, and an unforgettable incident that pierced the overwhelming tension.

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

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

Before long, the competition tightened to just three: the final players.

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

"This has been destroying me, I'm so sorry," he declared, admitting to the other players that he'd always been a traitor. "I feel terrible about this."

"You did brilliantly," they consoled him. "Everything's fine."

Social media immediately exploded with the news. "Most awful traitor ever being the best traitor ever," wrote a viewer.

"It couldn't have been a better conclusion," stated another, while someone else described it as "the TV moment of the year."

The organization he selected, Neuroblastoma UK, will receive the entire winnings, with the total amount reaching £87,500.

The comedian's evolution from giggle liability to strategic player was one of the standout highlights of the series.

However, his victory still left the nation in shock, as noted by entertainment reporters.

"The thought of him, of all people, pulling off an expert performance in deceit felt just as probable as him maintaining a straight face through his comedy routines."

During follow-up conversations, fellow players summed up why no one had ever really suspected him.

"He might have appeared to the morning meal in a green cloak and I still wouldn't have thought he was a traitor. I was too busy laughing," a player said.

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

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

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

Thursday evening's installment was extended to 70 minutes on television. It had a different start than usual, as every celebrity knew who'd make it at the breakfast table.

Viewers heard some very uplifting, and atypical for the show music, as the episode revisited some moments from each of the finalists' time in the castle.

As ever, Alan Carr gave us unforgettable quotes.

"Let's face it, I began this game as something of a nervous wreck. I've thrown some really good friends to save myself, I've eliminated beloved figures in plain sight. I'm clearly a better liar and traitor than I believed."

At the same time, a different player commented that being in the final was "significantly more pressure than playing for a national team", while someone else said he was "completely amazed" to have made it so far.

Early on in the episode, various contestants appeared to be making a bid to become the fashion standout of the castle, taking over from the previously eliminated style leader.

The winner appeared at breakfast looking like a vintage television personality in a checked maroon suit, before changing into an embellished light-colored outfit.

However, he got outstyled by another contestant's maroon velvet tuxedo. What a look.

Next up was the competition, with the remaining contestants boarding a locomotive called - of course - The Deceivers' Railway.

The challenge involved ripping up images of eliminated players. Have sympathy for one participant who was hit on the head THREE times by the cover of a heavy wooden box.

Before long, the moment arrived for the roundtable.

Two traitors made a pact beforehand, vowing to support each other. "We've progressed significantly, I'm not going to throw him under a bus," said a player, while the other simply laughed.

And one adhered to their agreement. Yet, having slipped under the radar for the majority of the competition, their partner still got the most votes.

The last deceiver appeared he was in significant distress to be the final deceiver remaining. "Being alone, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, without direction."

Social media and viewers were equally disappointed.

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

"You will forever be remembered in the show's legacy," posted another user.

However, there remained little opportunity to focus on their elimination. Before long, they were at the final stage - which was the moment everyone anticipated.

The final four stood over the ceremonial fire. Meanwhile, the partnership broke down, precisely when it mattered the most, in an absolutely shocking development.

A player was painfully banished - following a surprising decision from their partner, who turned against them.

"It hurts to be betrayed last minute in that manner," remarked the eliminated player. Later, it was revealed that if they ever communicate, the eliminated contestant refers to the other by a betrayer's name.

Finally, just three players remained in the game: 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 did the same - resulting in the traitor emerged victorious.

For observers, the scene where the other players consoled the champion was "compelling television". "I anticipate it will be a contender for memorable moment at television honors," they said.

Fortunately, the champion quickly regained composure from his emotional outburst, and was able to enjoy his victory.

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

And he even joked about that infamous murder - his close ally in an early episode - 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 celebrity gossiping, scheming and sometimes surprising incidents may feel like a bizarre fantasy. Yet it actually occur. And we will miss it.