Following multiple episodes of suspense, schemes and sabotage, The Celebrity Traitors concludes with a nail-biting finale

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

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

Yet on Thursday night, the final winner of the first celebrity edition was revealed.

From nineteen participants, only five were left standing: Deceivers and loyal players facing off for the prize.

Soon, the competition tightened to only three contenders: the remaining contestants.

Ultimately, funny man Alan Carr was crowned the champion, in a surprising result that went viral and made him tearful.

"This has been destroying me, my apologies," he exclaimed, admitting to the remaining faithfuls that he'd always been one of the deceivers. "I feel terrible about this."

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

Social media immediately exploded with this development. "The worst deceiver being the most effective player," commented one user.

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

His chosen charity, a cancer charity, will receive 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 season.

However, his victory still left the nation surprised, according to industry observers.

"The thought of him, among everyone, executing a masterclass in deception felt just as probable as him maintaining composure through his comedy routines."

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

"He might have appeared to the morning meal in traitor attire and I still wouldn't have thought he was deceiving us. I was too busy laughing," one participant said.

"The majority didn't vote for him because how does one vote for someone who is so loveable?" asked another celebrity.

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

"I'd like to do it again... I doubt it would work a second time!"

The final installment was extended to 70 minutes on television. There was a different start than usual, as every celebrity knew who would appear at the breakfast table.

There was particularly inspiring, and atypical for the show music, as the episode revisited some moments from every remaining player's time in the castle.

As ever, Alan Carr provided unforgettable quotes.

"Let's face it, I began this game as something of an anxious mess. I've thrown some really good friends to save myself, I've eliminated beloved figures openly. Apparently I'm a better liar and traitor than I believed."

At the same time, a different player commented that being in the final was "way more stressful than competing with England", while another said he was "totally surprised" to have made it so far.

In the beginning of the finale, 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 looking like a 1950s US chat show host in a checked maroon suit, later switching into a bejewelled white suit.

However, he got out-jacketted by another contestant's burgundy formal wear. Impressive style.

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

This task saw them ripping up images of former contestants. Spare a thought for a player who managed to get hit on the head multiple times by the cover of a heavy wooden box.

Before long, it was time for the elimination discussion.

Two traitors made a pact beforehand, vowing to support each other. "We've come a long way, I'm not going to betray him," said one, while the other simply laughed.

And one did stick to their agreement. Yet, managing to stay under the radar for most of the game, the other still got the most votes.

The remaining traitor appeared to be experiencing significant distress to be the last traitor standing. "Now I'm on my own, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, without direction."

Social media and onlookers were equally disappointed.

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

"You will forever be remembered in Traitors history," posted a different viewer.

But there was little opportunity to dwell on this departure. Before long, the game reached the endgame - this being the moment everyone anticipated.

The final four gathered around the ceremonial fire. Meanwhile, the partnership collapsed, precisely when it was most crucial, in a truly WTF moment.

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

"This pains me to be betrayed last minute like that," remarked the eliminated player. Subsequently, we learned that if they ever communicate, the eliminated contestant refers to their former ally by a betrayer's name.

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

One player, appearing quite pleased, voted to end the competition. So did another, and it all came down to the final participant, who made the identical choice - resulting in the traitor was the winner.

For observers, the moment where the other players consoled the winner was "beautiful TV". "I anticipate it will be in the running for outstanding scene at next year's awards," they commented.

Happily, the champion quickly regained composure from his emotional outburst, and could finally appreciate the moment.

"What a rollercoaster. I was awful at lying, I had no poker face and here I am the champion," the winner said.

He also joked about the memorable elimination - his best friend during the initial stages - by leaning toward the host in the concluding moments and touching her cheek.

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

The last few weeks of famous people scheming, plotting and sometimes unexpected moments may seem like a bizarre fantasy. Yet it actually occur. It will be remembered fondly.