Following multiple episodes of suspense, schemes and backstabbing, Celebrity Traitors has reached a thrilling end

Spoiler alert - This piece reveals key moments from The Celebrity Traitors conclusion

Throughout the season, audiences saw murders, betrayals, intense glares, and an unforgettable incident that cut through all suspense.

However on Thursday night, the ultimate victor of the first Celebrity Traitors emerged triumphant.

Out of 19 contestants, just a handful remained: Deceivers and faithfuls facing off for the winnings.

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

In the end, comedian Alan Carr emerged as the winner, in a surprising result that went viral and made him tearful.

"This has been destroying me, I'm so sorry," he exclaimed, admitting to the other players that he'd always been one of the deceivers. "I feel terrible about this."

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

Online platforms quickly erupted with this development. "The worst deceiver being the most effective player," wrote a viewer.

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

The organization he selected, Neuroblastoma UK, will receive the entire winnings, with the total amount reaching eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

Alan Carr's transformation from comic relief to cold-hearted killer was one of the standout highlights of the season.

However, his victory still left the nation in shock, as noted by entertainment reporters.

"The idea of Alan, among everyone, executing an expert performance in deception felt about as likely as him keeping a straight face through one of his own punchlines."

On subsequent discussions, the other contestants summed up the reasons nobody had ever really suspected him.

"He might have appeared to breakfast in a green cloak and I wouldn't have believed he was deceiving us. I was too busy laughing," a player said.

"Most people didn't vote for him because how does one eliminate a person so charming?" questioned a different contestant.

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

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

Thursday evening's episode was extended to over an hour on television. It had a different start than typical episodes, as all the celebs were aware who would appear at the breakfast table.

There was some very uplifting, and atypical for the show soundtrack, as the episode revisited key scenes from each of the finalists' time in the castle.

As ever, Alan Carr provided unforgettable quotes.

"Let's face it, I began the competition as something of a nervous wreck. I've thrown close allies to save myself, I've murdered beloved figures openly. Apparently I'm more deceptive and player than I believed."

At the same time, another contestant noted that reaching the conclusion was "way more stressful than competing with a national team", while another said he was "totally surprised" to have made it so far.

In the beginning of the finale, various contestants seemed to be attempting to become the new style icon of the competition, taking over from an earlier departed style leader.

The winner appeared at breakfast looking like a vintage television personality in a checked maroon suit, later switching into an embellished light-colored outfit.

However, he got out-jacketted by another contestant's maroon velvet tuxedo. Impressive style.

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

The challenge involved ripping up portraits of eliminated players. Have sympathy for one participant who was hit in the head multiple times by the cover of a heavy wooden box.

Before long, the moment arrived for the elimination discussion.

The deceivers did a pinky promise in advance, pledging to stick together. "We've progressed significantly, I'm not going to betray him," said a player, while the other simply laughed.

However, one adhered to his promise. But, having slipped unnoticed for the majority of the competition, the other still received the majority elimination votes.

The remaining traitor appeared he was in significant distress 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 similarly upset.

"I did NOT want this contestant to be banished. An endearing deceiver," said a commentator.

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

However, there remained little opportunity to dwell on their elimination. Before long, they were at the endgame - which was the moment everyone anticipated.

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

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

"It hurts to be betrayed at the final moment in that manner," said the eliminated player. Subsequently, we learned that if they ever communicate, the betrayed player refers to the other by a betrayer's name.

Ultimately, just three players were still competing: the final trio.

A contestant, looking incredibly smug, voted to end the competition. So did another, and everything depended on the third, who did the same - resulting in the deceiver was the winner.

According to commentators, the moment where remaining contestants comforted the winner was "compelling television". "I anticipate it could be in the running for outstanding scene at television honors," they commented.

Fortunately, 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 made light of the memorable elimination - his best friend during the initial stages - by reaching over the presenter in the concluding moments and touching her cheek.

"You've got something on your face," he said, with his trademark giggle.

The recent episodes of celebrity gossiping, scheming and the occasional surprising incidents may feel like a bizarre fantasy. But it really did occur. And we will miss it.