Following multiple episodes of tension, plots and backstabbing, Celebrity Traitors has reached a thrilling end

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

Throughout the season, viewers witnessed murders, double-crosses, intense glares, and a memorable moment that pierced the overwhelming suspense.

However on Thursday night, the final winner of the inaugural celebrity edition was revealed.

From nineteen participants, only five remained: Deceivers and loyal players competing for the winnings.

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

In the end, funny man Alan Carr was crowned the winner, in a surprising outcome that went viral and left him emotional.

"This has been destroying me, my apologies," he exclaimed, revealing to the other players that he was actually one of the deceivers. "I feel terrible about this."

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

Social media quickly erupted with this development. "Most awful traitor ever being the most effective player," commented a viewer.

"There could not have been a more iconic ending," wrote a different person, while a third described it as "the TV moment of the year."

His chosen charity, Neuroblastoma UK, gets to keep all the prize money, with the total amount amounting to £87,500.

Alan Carr's transformation from giggle liability to strategic player was among the most memorable aspects of the series.

However, his victory still shocked viewers in shock, as noted by industry observers.

"The idea of Alan, among everyone, executing a masterclass in deceit felt about as likely as him maintaining composure through one of his own punchlines."

On subsequent discussions, the other contestants explained why no one had truly doubted him.

"Alan could have come down to the morning meal in a green cloak 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?" asked a different contestant.

The winner stated he had "absolutely loved" his time on the show.

"I'd like to participate once more... I doubt it would work again!"

Thursday evening's installment was extended to over an hour on the network. There was a different start than typical episodes, as every celebrity knew who would appear at the morning gathering.

Viewers heard particularly inspiring, and atypical for the show music, as the episode revisited some moments 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 the competition a bit of an anxious mess. I've betrayed close allies under the bus, I've eliminated national treasures openly. I'm clearly more deceptive and player than I believed."

Meanwhile, a different player noted that reaching the conclusion was "way more stressful than playing for a national team", while someone else said he was "totally surprised" to have lasted this long.

Early on in the episode, several players appeared to be attempting to become the fashion standout of the competition, taking over from the previously eliminated fashionable contestant.

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

But he was out-jacketted by a fellow player's burgundy formal wear. Impressive style.

Following this was the challenge, with the remaining contestants boarding a locomotive called - of course - The Deceivers' Railway.

The challenge involved destroying portraits of former contestants. Spare a thought for a player who was hit in the head THREE times by the lid of a heavy wooden box.

Soon after, the moment arrived for the roundtable.

Two traitors did a pinky promise beforehand, pledging to support each other. "We've progressed significantly, I'm not going to throw him under a bus," said a player, while their partner just giggled.

However, one did stick to their agreement. But, having slipped under the radar for the majority of the competition, their partner still received the majority elimination votes.

The remaining traitor appeared to be experiencing a world of pain to be the last traitor standing. "Now I'm on my own, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm unpredictable, a rudderless ship."

Social media and onlookers were equally disappointed.

"I did NOT want this contestant to be eliminated. A truly loveable traitor," commented an observer.

"Your legacy will remain in Traitors history," wrote another user.

However, there remained no time to dwell on this departure. Soon, they were at the endgame - which was the moment everyone anticipated.

The final four stood over the ceremonial fire. Meanwhile, the partnership broke down, precisely when it was most crucial, in a truly WTF moment.

One contestant was painfully banished - after a shock vote from their partner, who turned against them.

"This pains me to be stabbed in the back last minute like that," remarked the eliminated player. Later, we learned that if they ever communicate, the betrayed player calls the other as a traitor.

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

A contestant, appearing quite pleased, chose to conclude the game. The same decision was made by another, and everything depended on the final participant, who made the identical choice - which meant that the traitor emerged victorious.

According to commentators, the scene where remaining contestants consoled the champion was "beautiful TV". "I predict it will be a contender for memorable moment at television honors," they commented.

Fortunately, the winner soon recovered from his emotional outburst, and was able to enjoy the moment.

"What a rollercoaster. I thought I was terrible at deception, my expressions gave me away and here I am the champion," he said.

And he even joked about the memorable elimination - his close ally in an early episode - by reaching over the presenter in the final scene and touching her cheek.

"You've got something on your face," he said, with his characteristic laugh.

The recent episodes of celebrity gossiping, scheming and sometimes surprising incidents may feel like a bizarre fantasy. Yet it actually all happen. It will be remembered fondly.