Following weeks of suspense, schemes and sabotage, The Celebrity Traitors concludes with a thrilling end

Spoiler alert - This article reveals details from Celebrity Traitors finale

Throughout the season, audiences saw murders, betrayals, intense glares, and a memorable moment that pierced the overwhelming suspense.

However on Thursday night, the final winner of the first celebrity edition emerged triumphant.

From nineteen participants, only five remained: Deceivers and faithfuls competing for the prize.

Soon, the field narrowed to just three: the remaining contestants.

Ultimately, funny man Alan Carr was crowned the winner, in a shocking result that broke the internet 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 did brilliantly," they consoled him. "It's all right."

Social media immediately exploded with the news. "Most awful traitor ever being the most effective player," commented one user.

"There could not have been a better conclusion," stated another, while a third called it "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 £87,500.

The comedian's evolution from comic relief to strategic player was one of the standout highlights of the season.

However, his victory still left the nation surprised, as noted by industry observers.

"The idea of Alan, among everyone, executing a masterclass in deception felt just as probable as him keeping composure through one of his own punchlines."

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

"Alan could have appeared to breakfast in traitor attire and I wouldn't have believed he was a traitor. His humor distracted me," a player said.

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

The winner stated he had "thoroughly enjoyed" his time on the program.

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

Thursday evening's episode was lengthened to over an hour on the network. It had a different start than usual, as all the celebs knew who would appear at the breakfast table.

Viewers heard particularly inspiring, and very un-Traitors-esque soundtrack, as we recapped key scenes from every remaining player's time in the castle.

As ever, the comedian gave us some of the most memorable lines.

"Let's face it, I began the competition a bit of a nervous wreck. I've betrayed some really good friends to save myself, I've murdered beloved figures openly. I'm clearly more deceptive and player than I thought."

Meanwhile, a different player commented that reaching the conclusion was "significantly more pressure than playing for England", while another 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 competition, taking over from the previously eliminated style leader.

Carr emerged at the morning meal resembling a vintage television personality in patterned burgundy attire, later switching into a bejewelled white suit.

But he was outstyled by another contestant's burgundy formal wear. Impressive style.

Next up was the challenge, with the final players getting on board a locomotive called - of course - The Traitors Express.

The challenge involved destroying portraits of eliminated players. Spare a thought for one participant who managed to get hit in the head THREE times by the cover of a heavy wooden box.

Before long, the moment arrived for the roundtable.

The deceivers made a pact in advance, pledging to support each other. "We've progressed significantly, I won't throw him under a bus," stated one, while the other just giggled.

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

The last deceiver looked like to be experiencing a world of pain to be the last traitor standing. "Being alone, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, 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.

"You will forever be remembered in the show's legacy," wrote a different viewer.

However, there remained no time to focus on this departure. Before long, the game reached the endgame - which was what we were really all here for.

The final four gathered around the fire pit. And the alliance broke down, just when it was most crucial, in an absolutely shocking development.

A player was eliminated in dramatic fashion - after a shock vote from their partner, who turned against them.

"It hurts to be stabbed in the back at the final moment like that," remarked the ousted contestant. Later, we learned that when they message, the betrayed player refers to the other as a traitor.

Finally, only three contestants remained in the game: the final trio.

A contestant, looking incredibly smug, chose to conclude the game. So did a different player, and it all came down to the third, who made the identical choice - resulting in the traitor emerged victorious.

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

Fortunately, the champion soon recovered from his bout of tears, and could finally appreciate his victory.

"Such an emotional journey. I was awful at lying, I had no poker face and now I stand the champion," he said.

And he even joked about that infamous murder - his best friend in an early episode - by leaning toward the host in the final scene and touching her cheek.

"There's something on your face," he said, with his characteristic laugh.

The last few weeks of famous people scheming, scheming and the occasional unexpected moments may feel like one big crazy jumbled dream. But it really did all happen. It will be remembered fondly.