After multiple episodes of suspense, schemes and sabotage, Celebrity Traitors concludes with a nail-biting end

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

Over the course of the show, audiences saw murders, double-crosses, serious side-eye, and an unforgettable incident that pierced the overwhelming suspense.

Yet on Thursday night, the final winner of the first Celebrity Traitors was revealed.

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

Soon, the field narrowed to only three contenders: the final players.

In the end, 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 exclaimed, admitting to the other players that he'd always been one of the deceivers. "I feel terrible about this."

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

Online platforms immediately exploded with the news. "The worst deceiver being the best traitor ever," commented a viewer.

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

His chosen charity, a cancer charity, gets to keep all the prize money, with the total amount amounting to eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

Alan Carr's transformation from comic relief to strategic player was one of the standout highlights of the series.

But his win still left the nation surprised, as noted by entertainment reporters.

"The idea of Alan, of all people, executing an expert performance in deceit felt about as likely as him maintaining a straight face through his comedy routines."

During follow-up conversations, the other contestants summed up why no one had ever really suspected him.

"He might 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 eliminate someone who is so loveable?" questioned a different contestant.

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

"I want to participate once more... I doubt it would work a second time!"

Thursday evening's installment was lengthened to 70 minutes on the network. There was a different start than usual, as every celebrity knew who would appear at the breakfast table.

Viewers heard some very uplifting, and very un-Traitors-esque soundtrack, as we recapped some moments from each of the finalists' experience in the game.

True to form, Alan Carr gave us some of the most memorable lines.

"To be honest, I started this game a bit of an anxious mess. I've thrown close allies to save myself, I've eliminated national treasures in plain sight. Apparently I'm a better liar and player than I believed."

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

In the beginning in the episode, various contestants appeared to be making a bid to become the new style icon of the competition, taking over from the previously eliminated fashionable contestant.

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

However, he got outstyled by another contestant's maroon velvet tuxedo. Impressive style.

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

The challenge saw them destroying images of eliminated players. Spare a thought for a player who managed to get hit in the head THREE times by the lid of a heavy wooden box.

Before long, the moment arrived for the elimination discussion.

The deceivers did a pinky promise beforehand, pledging to stick together. "We've progressed significantly, I won't throw him under a bus," said a player, while the other just giggled.

However, one adhered to his promise. Yet, managing to stay under the radar for the majority of the competition, the other still received the majority elimination votes.

The last deceiver looked like he was in significant distress to be the final deceiver remaining. "Now I'm on my own, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, a rudderless ship."

Social media and onlookers were equally disappointed.

"I did NOT want that player to be banished. A truly loveable traitor," said a commentator.

"Your legacy will remain in the show's legacy," posted a different viewer.

However, there remained no time to focus on their elimination. Soon, they were at the final stage - this being what we were really all here for.

The last players stood over the ceremonial fire. And the alliance broke down, precisely when it was most crucial, in a truly WTF moment.

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

"It hurts to be stabbed in the back at the final moment like that," said the ousted contestant. Subsequently, it was revealed that when they message, the betrayed player calls their former ally as a traitor.

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

A contestant, looking incredibly smug, chose to conclude the game. So did another, and it all came down to the third, who did the same - resulting in the traitor emerged victorious.

According to commentators, the moment where remaining contestants consoled the winner was "compelling television". "I predict it will be a contender for outstanding scene at next year's awards," they said.

Happily, 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 a winner," the winner 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 trademark giggle.

The recent episodes of celebrity gossiping, scheming and the occasional unexpected moments may seem like a bizarre fantasy. Yet it actually all happen. It will be remembered fondly.