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

Warning: spoilers ahead - This article discloses key moments from Celebrity Traitors conclusion

Over the course of the show, audiences saw eliminations, double-crosses, intense glares, and an unforgettable incident that cut through the overwhelming tension.

Yet on Thursday night, the ultimate victor of the first Celebrity Traitors was revealed.

From nineteen participants, only five were left standing: Traitors and loyal players competing for the prize.

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

In the end, comedian Alan Carr emerged as the champion, in a shocking outcome that went viral and made him tearful.

"It's been tearing me apart, I'm so sorry," he declared, admitting to the remaining faithfuls that he was actually one of the deceivers. "I'm an awful human being."

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

Social media immediately exploded with this development. "Most awful traitor ever being the best traitor ever," commented one user.

"It couldn't have been a better conclusion," 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 total amount amounting to eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

The comedian's evolution from giggle liability to cold-hearted killer was one of the standout highlights of the season.

But his win still left the nation surprised, as noted by industry observers.

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

On subsequent discussions, fellow players explained the reasons nobody had truly doubted him.

"Alan could have appeared to breakfast in a green cloak and I still wouldn't have thought he was deceiving us. His humor distracted me," one participant said.

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

Carr said he had "thoroughly enjoyed" his time on the show.

"I'd like to participate once more... I don't think it would be successful again!"

Thursday evening's episode was extended to over an hour on television. It had a different start than usual, as all the celebs were aware who would appear at the morning gathering.

There was some very uplifting, and atypical for the show soundtrack, as the episode revisited key scenes from each of the finalists' time in the castle.

True to form, the comedian gave us some of the most memorable lines.

"Let's face it, I began this game as something of a nervous wreck. I've betrayed some really good friends to save myself, I've eliminated beloved figures openly. Apparently I'm more deceptive and traitor than I thought."

Meanwhile, a different player noted that being in the final was "significantly more pressure than competing with England", while someone else said he was "completely amazed" to have made it so far.

Early on in the episode, several players seemed to be making a bid to become the new style icon of the competition, taking over from the previously eliminated fashionable contestant.

Carr emerged at breakfast resembling a 1950s US chat show host in patterned burgundy attire, before changing into an embellished light-colored outfit.

But he was outstyled by a fellow player's maroon velvet tuxedo. Impressive style.

Next up was the challenge, 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 a player who managed to get hit on the head THREE times by the cover of a substantial container.

Before long, it was time for the elimination discussion.

The deceivers did a pinky promise in advance, vowing to stick together. "We've progressed significantly, I won't throw him under a bus," said a player, while their partner simply laughed.

And one did stick to his promise. But, managing to stay under the radar for the majority of the competition, the other still got the most votes.

The remaining traitor appeared to be experiencing significant distress to be the last traitor standing. "Being alone, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm unpredictable, a rudderless ship."

Online platforms and onlookers were equally disappointed.

"I hoped against that player to be eliminated. A truly loveable traitor," said a commentator.

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

But there was little opportunity to dwell on their elimination. Soon, they were at the endgame - which was the moment everyone anticipated.

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

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

"It hurts to be betrayed last minute in that manner," remarked the eliminated player. Later, we learned that when they message, the betrayed player calls the other as a traitor.

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

A contestant, looking incredibly smug, chose to conclude the competition. The same decision was made by another, and it all came down to the final participant, who made the identical choice - resulting in the deceiver emerged victorious.

According to commentators, the moment where the other players consoled the winner was "compelling television". "I predict it could be a contender for outstanding scene at next year's awards," they said.

Happily, the winner soon recovered from his emotional outburst, and could finally appreciate his victory.

"Such an emotional journey. I was awful at lying, my expressions gave me away and now I stand the champion," he said.

He also made light of the memorable elimination - his best friend during the initial stages - by leaning toward the presenter in the concluding moments and making contact.

"There's something on your face," he said, with his trademark giggle.

The last few weeks of famous people scheming, plotting and sometimes surprising incidents may seem like a bizarre fantasy. Yet it actually all happen. It will be remembered fondly.