After weeks of tension, plots and backstabbing, The Celebrity Traitors concludes with a thrilling end

Spoiler alert - This piece reveals details from The Celebrity Traitors finale

Throughout the season, viewers witnessed murders, betrayals, serious side-eye, and an unforgettable incident that cut through the overwhelming tension.

Yet on the final evening, the ultimate victor of the inaugural Celebrity Traitors was revealed.

Out of nineteen participants, only five remained: Traitors and loyal players facing off for the prize.

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

Ultimately, comedian Alan Carr was crowned the champion, in a surprising outcome that went viral and left him emotional.

"It's been tearing me apart, my apologies," he declared, admitting to the other players that he was actually one of the deceivers. "I feel terrible about this."

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

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

"There could not have been a better conclusion," stated a different person, while a third described it as "the television highlight of the year."

The organization he selected, Neuroblastoma UK, will receive the entire winnings, with the final pot amounting to eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

Alan Carr's transformation from giggle liability to cold-hearted killer was one of the standout highlights of the series.

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

"The idea of Alan, of all people, executing a masterclass in deception felt just as probable as him keeping a straight face through one of his own punchlines."

On subsequent discussions, fellow players explained the reasons nobody had ever really suspected him.

"He might have appeared to the morning meal in a green cloak and I still wouldn't have thought he was a traitor. His humor distracted me," a player said.

"The majority didn't target him because how does one eliminate someone who is so charming?" questioned a different contestant.

The winner stated he had "absolutely loved" his experience with the program.

"I want to participate once more... I doubt it would be successful again!"

Thursday evening's installment was extended to 70 minutes on television. There was an unusual opening than usual, as all the celebs knew who would appear at the morning gathering.

Viewers heard some very uplifting, and very un-Traitors-esque soundtrack, as the episode revisited some moments from every remaining player's time in the castle.

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

"To be honest, I started this game as something of an anxious mess. I've thrown some really good friends to save myself, I've eliminated national treasures in plain sight. Apparently I'm more deceptive and player than I believed."

Meanwhile, a different player commented that being in the final was "significantly more pressure than competing with a national team", while someone else said he was "totally surprised" to have lasted this long.

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

Carr emerged at the morning meal resembling 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 maroon velvet tuxedo. Impressive style.

Following this was the competition, with the remaining contestants getting on board 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 substantial container.

Soon after, the moment arrived for the roundtable.

The deceivers did a pinky promise in advance, pledging to stick together. "We've come a long way, I won't throw him under a bus," stated a player, while the other just giggled.

However, one adhered to his promise. Yet, having slipped under the radar 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. "Being alone, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm unpredictable, a rudderless ship."

Social media and viewers were similarly upset.

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

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

But there was no time to dwell on their elimination. Soon, they were at the final stage - this being the moment everyone anticipated.

The final four gathered around the fire pit. And the alliance collapsed, precisely when it was most crucial, in a truly WTF moment.

One contestant was eliminated in dramatic fashion - following a surprising decision from their partner, who betrayed them.

"This pains me to be stabbed in the back at the final moment in that manner," said the ousted contestant. Subsequently, it was revealed that if they ever communicate, the betrayed player calls the other as a traitor.

Ultimately, just three players remained in the game: the last participants.

One player, looking incredibly smug, chose to conclude the game. So did a different player, and everything depended on the third, who made the identical choice - resulting in the deceiver emerged victorious.

According to commentators, the moment where remaining contestants consoled the champion was "beautiful TV". "I predict it could be in the running for outstanding scene at next year's awards," they commented.

Happily, the champion quickly regained composure from his bout of tears, and could finally appreciate the moment.

"Such an emotional journey. I thought I was terrible at deception, my expressions gave me away and here I am a winner," the winner said.

And he even made light of the memorable elimination - his close ally during the initial stages - by leaning toward the presenter in the concluding moments and making contact.

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

The last few weeks of celebrity gossiping, plotting and the occasional surprising incidents may feel like a bizarre fantasy. Yet it actually all happen. It will be remembered fondly.