After weeks of suspense, plots and backstabbing, The Celebrity Traitors concludes with a nail-biting finale

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

Over the course of the show, audiences saw eliminations, betrayals, intense glares, and a memorable moment that cut through the overwhelming suspense.

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

From 19 contestants, just a handful were left standing: Traitors and loyal players competing for the winnings.

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

Ultimately, funny man Alan Carr emerged as the champion, in a shocking result that went viral and left him emotional.

"This has been destroying me, my apologies," he declared, admitting to the remaining faithfuls that he'd always been one of the deceivers. "I'm an awful human being."

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

Online platforms quickly erupted with this development. "Most awful traitor ever being the best traitor ever," commented one user.

"It couldn't have been a better conclusion," stated another, while a third described it as "the TV moment of the year."

His chosen charity, a cancer charity, will receive the entire winnings, with the final pot reaching eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

The comedian's evolution from comic relief to cold-hearted killer was one of the standout highlights of the season.

However, his victory still left the nation surprised, as noted by industry observers.

"The thought of him, among everyone, pulling off an expert performance in deceit felt about as likely as him keeping a straight face through his comedy routines."

During follow-up conversations, fellow players summed up why no one had ever really suspected him.

"He might have come down 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.

"Most people didn't target him because how does one eliminate someone who is so loveable?" asked another celebrity.

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

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

Thursday evening's installment was extended to 70 minutes on television. There was an unusual opening than usual, as every celebrity were aware who'd make it at the morning gathering.

There was some very uplifting, and atypical for the show soundtrack, as we recapped some moments from each of the finalists' time in the castle.

True to form, Alan Carr provided unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I started the competition a bit of a nervous wreck. I've thrown some really good friends to save myself, I've murdered beloved figures openly. Apparently I'm more deceptive and traitor than I thought."

At the same time, another contestant noted that being in the final was "significantly more pressure than competing with England", while another said he was "completely amazed" 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 castle, replacing the previously eliminated style leader.

The winner appeared at breakfast resembling a 1950s US chat show host in patterned burgundy attire, later switching into a bejewelled white suit.

However, he got out-jacketted by a fellow player's burgundy formal wear. What a look.

Next up was the competition, with the final players boarding a train named - naturally - The Deceivers' Railway.

This task involved ripping up portraits of eliminated players. Have sympathy for a player who was hit in the head multiple times by the lid of a heavy wooden box.

Soon after, the moment arrived for the elimination discussion.

Two traitors did a pinky promise beforehand, vowing to stick together. "We've come a long way, I'm not going to betray him," stated a player, while their partner just giggled.

And one adhered to his promise. Yet, managing to stay under the radar for most of the game, the other still got the most votes.

The last deceiver appeared to be experiencing significant distress to be the final deceiver remaining. "Now I'm on my own, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm unpredictable, without direction."

Online platforms and onlookers were equally disappointed.

"I hoped against this contestant to be eliminated. An endearing deceiver," said a commentator.

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

However, there remained little opportunity to focus on their elimination. Before long, the game reached the endgame - this being the moment everyone anticipated.

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

A player was painfully banished - following a surprising decision from their ally, who turned against them.

"This pains me to be stabbed in the back last minute like that," said the eliminated player. Subsequently, we learned that when they message, the eliminated contestant refers to the other as a traitor.

Finally, only three contestants were still competing: the last participants.

A contestant, appearing quite pleased, chose to conclude the game. The same decision was made by a different player, and it all came down to the final participant, who did the same - which meant that the deceiver emerged victorious.

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

Happily, the champion soon recovered from his emotional outburst, and was able to enjoy his victory.

"Such an emotional journey. I was awful at lying, I had no poker face and here I am the champion," the winner said.

He also made light of the memorable elimination - 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 characteristic laugh.

The last few weeks of celebrity gossiping, scheming and sometimes unexpected moments may feel like a bizarre fantasy. Yet it actually occur. And we will miss it.