After multiple episodes of suspense, schemes and sabotage, The Celebrity Traitors has reached a nail-biting end

Warning: spoilers ahead - This article reveals details from The Celebrity Traitors conclusion

Over the course of the show, viewers witnessed eliminations, double-crosses, serious side-eye, and an unforgettable incident that pierced the overwhelming suspense.

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

From 19 contestants, only five remained: Deceivers and loyal players facing off for the prize.

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

In the end, comedian Alan Carr emerged as the champion, in a surprising outcome that broke the internet and made him tearful.

"This has been destroying me, my apologies," he declared, revealing to the remaining faithfuls that he was actually a traitor. "I feel terrible about this."

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

Social media immediately exploded with the news. "The worst deceiver being the most effective player," wrote a viewer.

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

His chosen charity, a cancer charity, gets to keep all the prize money, with the final pot reaching eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

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

But his win still shocked viewers in shock, according to entertainment reporters.

"The thought of him, among everyone, executing a masterclass in deception felt just as probable as him keeping a straight face through one of his own punchlines."

On subsequent discussions, the other contestants summed up why no one had ever really suspected him.

"He might have appeared to breakfast in traitor attire and I still wouldn't have thought he was a traitor. His humor distracted me," one participant said.

"The majority didn't target him because how can you eliminate someone who is so charming?" questioned a different contestant.

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

"I want to participate once more... I don't think it would work a second time!"

Thursday evening's episode was lengthened to 70 minutes on television. It had a different start than usual, as all the celebs were aware who would appear at the breakfast table.

Viewers heard particularly inspiring, and atypical for the show soundtrack, as the episode revisited some moments from every remaining player's time in the castle.

As ever, Alan Carr provided some of the most memorable lines.

"Let's face it, I began this game a bit of a nervous wreck. I've thrown close allies to save myself, I've murdered national treasures openly. I'm clearly more deceptive and player than I believed."

At the same time, a different player commented that being in the final was "way more stressful than playing for England", while someone else said he was "completely amazed" to have lasted this long.

In the beginning of the finale, several players appeared to be attempting to become the fashion standout of the competition, replacing the previously eliminated fashionable contestant.

Carr emerged at the morning meal resembling a vintage television personality in a checked maroon suit, later switching into an embellished light-colored outfit.

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

Following this was the challenge, with the remaining contestants boarding a train named - of course - The Traitors Express.

The challenge saw them destroying portraits of eliminated players. Spare a thought for one participant who was hit on the head multiple times by the cover of a substantial container.

Before long, the moment arrived for the elimination discussion.

Two traitors made a pact beforehand, vowing to stick together. "We've come a long way, I'm not going to betray him," stated one, while their partner simply laughed.

However, one adhered to their agreement. But, managing to stay unnoticed for most of the game, their partner still got the most votes.

The remaining traitor appeared to be experiencing significant distress to be the final deceiver remaining. "Now I'm on my own, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm unpredictable, a rudderless ship."

Online platforms and onlookers were equally disappointed.

"I did NOT want this contestant to be banished. An endearing deceiver," commented an observer.

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

However, there remained little opportunity to focus on this departure. Before long, the game reached the final stage - which was the moment everyone anticipated.

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

One contestant was eliminated in dramatic fashion - following a surprising decision from their partner, who betrayed them.

"It hurts to be stabbed in the back at the final moment like that," remarked the eliminated player. Later, it was revealed that when they message, the betrayed player refers to the other by a betrayer's name.

Finally, only three contestants were still competing: the final trio.

One player, appearing quite pleased, voted to end the competition. The same decision was made by another, and everything depended on the third, who did the same - resulting in the traitor was the winner.

For observers, the moment where the other players comforted the winner was "beautiful TV". "I predict it will be a contender for outstanding scene at television honors," they said.

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

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

And he even joked about the memorable elimination - his best friend in an early episode - by leaning toward the presenter in the concluding moments 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 unexpected moments may feel like one big crazy jumbled dream. But it really did all happen. And we will miss it.