After multiple episodes of tension, plots and backstabbing, The Celebrity Traitors concludes with a nail-biting end

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

Over the course of the show, viewers witnessed murders, betrayals, serious side-eye, and an unforgettable incident that pierced all tension.

However on the final evening, the ultimate victor of the first Celebrity Traitors emerged triumphant.

From nineteen participants, just a handful were left standing: Traitors and faithfuls facing off for the winnings.

Soon, the field narrowed to just three: the final players.

In the end, comedian Alan Carr was crowned the winner, in a surprising outcome that went viral and made him tearful.

"It's been tearing me apart, I'm so sorry," he exclaimed, admitting to the other players that he'd always been one of the deceivers. "I'm an awful human being."

"You played amazingly," they comforted him. "It's all right."

Social media immediately exploded with the news. "The worst deceiver being the most effective player," wrote a viewer.

"It couldn't have been a better conclusion," wrote another, while a third called it "the television highlight of the year."

The organization he selected, a cancer charity, gets to keep the entire winnings, with the final pot reaching £87,500.

The comedian's evolution from comic relief to strategic player was one of the standout highlights of the season.

However, his victory still shocked viewers in shock, according to industry observers.

"The idea of Alan, of all people, executing an expert performance in deception felt just as probable as him maintaining composure through his comedy routines."

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

"He might have appeared to breakfast in a green cloak and I still wouldn't have thought he was a traitor. I was too busy laughing," one participant said.

"The majority didn't target him because how does one vote for someone who is so charming?" questioned another celebrity.

Carr said he had "thoroughly enjoyed" his time on the show.

"I'd like to do it again... I doubt it would be successful a second time!"

Thursday evening's installment was lengthened to over an hour on television. There was an unusual opening than typical episodes, as every celebrity were aware who would appear at the morning gathering.

There was some very uplifting, and very un-Traitors-esque soundtrack, as we recapped key scenes from every remaining player's time in the castle.

True to form, the comedian provided some of the most memorable lines.

"To be honest, I began the competition as something of a nervous wreck. I've betrayed close allies to save myself, I've eliminated beloved figures openly. I'm clearly a better liar and player than I believed."

Meanwhile, another contestant noted that reaching the conclusion was "significantly more pressure than competing with England", while another said he was "completely amazed" to have lasted this long.

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

Carr emerged at breakfast looking like a 1950s US chat show host in a checked maroon suit, before changing into a bejewelled white suit.

But he was outstyled by another contestant's burgundy formal wear. Impressive style.

Next up was the challenge, with the remaining contestants boarding a train named - of course - The Traitors Express.

This task involved ripping up images of eliminated players. Have sympathy for one participant who was hit in the head THREE times by the lid of a heavy wooden box.

Soon after, it was time for the roundtable.

Two traitors did a pinky promise beforehand, pledging to support each other. "We've come a long way, I won't throw him under a bus," stated one, while their partner simply laughed.

And one did stick to his promise. But, having slipped unnoticed for most of the game, their partner still got the most votes.

The remaining traitor appeared to be experiencing significant distress to be the last traitor standing. "Being alone, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm unpredictable, without direction."

Social media and viewers were equally disappointed.

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

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

But there was little opportunity to dwell on this departure. Before long, they were at the endgame - this being the moment everyone anticipated.

The last players gathered around the ceremonial fire. Meanwhile, the partnership collapsed, 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.

"This pains me to be betrayed at the final moment like that," said the eliminated player. Subsequently, it was revealed that when they message, the betrayed player refers to the other by a betrayer's name.

Ultimately, only three contestants remained in the game: the last participants.

One player, appearing quite pleased, chose to conclude the competition. The same decision was made by another, and it all came down to the final participant, who made the identical choice - which meant that the deceiver was the winner.

According to commentators, the moment where the other players consoled the champion was "compelling television". "I predict it will be in the running for outstanding scene at next year's awards," they commented.

Happily, the winner quickly regained composure from his bout of tears, and was able to enjoy his victory.

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

He also joked about the memorable elimination - his close ally during the initial stages - by leaning toward the presenter in the final scene and making contact.

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

The recent episodes of famous people scheming, scheming and the occasional unexpected moments may feel like one big crazy jumbled dream. But it really did occur. And we will miss it.