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

Spoiler alert - This piece discloses details from Celebrity Traitors conclusion

Over the course of the show, viewers witnessed murders, betrayals, serious side-eye, and a memorable moment that cut through all suspense.

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

Out of 19 contestants, just a handful remained: Traitors and loyal players facing off for the winnings.

Before long, the field narrowed to only three contenders: the remaining contestants.

In the end, funny man Alan Carr emerged as the winner, in a shocking result that broke the internet and left him emotional.

"This has been destroying me, my apologies," he declared, revealing to the other players that he'd always been one of the deceivers. "I feel terrible about this."

"You did brilliantly," they consoled him. "Everything's fine."

Online platforms quickly erupted with this development. "Most awful traitor ever being the most effective player," wrote one user.

"It couldn't have been a more iconic ending," stated a different person, while someone else called it "the television highlight of the year."

The organization he selected, a cancer charity, gets to keep the entire winnings, with the total amount reaching eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

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

However, his victory still shocked viewers surprised, as noted by entertainment reporters.

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

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

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

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

Carr said he had "thoroughly enjoyed" his experience with the show.

"I'd like to do it again... I don't think it would be successful a second time!"

The final episode was extended to over an hour on television. It had an unusual opening than typical episodes, as every celebrity were aware who'd make it at the breakfast table.

There was particularly inspiring, and atypical for the show soundtrack, as we recapped some moments from each of the finalists' experience in the game.

As ever, the comedian provided some of the most memorable lines.

"To be honest, I began this game as something of a nervous wreck. I've thrown close allies to save myself, I've murdered beloved figures openly. I'm clearly a better liar and player than I thought."

At the same time, a different player commented that reaching the conclusion was "way more stressful than playing for England", while another said he was "completely amazed" to have made it so far.

In the beginning in the episode, several players appeared to be attempting to become the fashion standout of the competition, taking over from an earlier departed style leader.

The winner appeared at breakfast resembling a 1950s US chat show host in patterned burgundy attire, later switching into an embellished light-colored outfit.

But he was out-jacketted by a fellow player's maroon velvet tuxedo. Impressive style.

Following this was the competition, with the final players getting on board a train named - naturally - The Deceivers' Railway.

This task involved destroying images of former contestants. Have sympathy for a player who managed to get hit in the head THREE times by the lid of a heavy wooden box.

Soon after, the moment arrived for the elimination discussion.

Two traitors made a pact in advance, pledging to support each other. "We've progressed significantly, I won't throw him under a bus," said a player, while the other just giggled.

However, one adhered to their agreement. But, managing to stay under the radar for the majority of the competition, the other still got the most votes.

The last deceiver 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 similarly upset.

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

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

But there was no time to focus on this departure. Soon, the game reached the final stage - this being what we were really all here for.

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

A player was painfully banished - after a shock vote from their ally, who betrayed them.

"It hurts to be stabbed in the back at the final moment like that," said the ousted contestant. Later, it was revealed that if they ever communicate, the eliminated contestant calls their former ally as a traitor.

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

A contestant, looking incredibly smug, chose to conclude the game. So did a different player, and it all came down to the final participant, who did the same - resulting in the deceiver was the winner.

For observers, the moment where remaining contestants comforted the champion was "compelling television". "I anticipate it will be in the running for outstanding scene at television honors," they said.

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

"Such an emotional journey. I thought I was terrible at deception, I had no poker face and now I stand a winner," he said.

And he even joked about that infamous murder - his close ally during the initial stages - by reaching over the host in the final scene and touching her cheek.

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

The last few weeks of famous people scheming, scheming and the occasional surprising incidents may seem like one big crazy jumbled dream. Yet it actually all happen. It will be remembered fondly.