Following weeks of suspense, schemes and backstabbing, The Celebrity Traitors concludes with a thrilling finale

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

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

Yet on Thursday night, the final winner of the first celebrity edition was revealed.

Out of 19 contestants, only five were left standing: Traitors and loyal players competing for the prize.

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

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

"It's been tearing me apart, my apologies," he declared, revealing to the other players that he was actually a traitor. "I'm an awful human being."

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

Online platforms quickly erupted with this development. "Most awful traitor ever being the most effective player," commented a viewer.

"It couldn't have been a more iconic ending," stated another, while someone else called it "the TV moment of the year."

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

The comedian's evolution from giggle liability to strategic player was one of the standout highlights of the series.

However, his victory still shocked viewers in shock, as noted by entertainment reporters.

"The thought of him, of all people, executing a masterclass in deception felt just as probable as him keeping composure through his comedy routines."

On subsequent discussions, the other contestants explained why no one had ever really suspected him.

"Alan could have come down to breakfast in traitor attire and I wouldn't have believed he was deceiving us. I was too busy laughing," one participant said.

"The majority didn't vote for him because how does one eliminate someone who is so loveable?" asked a different contestant.

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

"I'd like to participate once more... I doubt it would work a second time!"

Thursday evening's installment was extended to over an hour on the network. It had an unusual opening than usual, as every celebrity were aware who would appear at the breakfast table.

There was particularly inspiring, and atypical for the show soundtrack, as we recapped some moments from every remaining player's experience in the game.

As ever, Alan Carr provided unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I started this game as something of an anxious mess. I've thrown close allies to save myself, I've murdered national treasures openly. Apparently I'm more deceptive and player than I believed."

At the same time, another contestant noted that reaching the conclusion was "significantly more pressure than competing with a national team", while another said he was "completely amazed" to have made it so far.

In the beginning in the episode, various contestants seemed to be making a bid to become the fashion standout of the castle, replacing the previously eliminated style leader.

Carr emerged at the morning meal resembling a 1950s US chat show host in a checked maroon suit, before changing into a bejewelled white suit.

However, he got outstyled by a fellow player's burgundy formal wear. Impressive style.

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

This task involved ripping up images of former contestants. Have sympathy for one participant who managed to get hit in the head multiple times by the lid of a substantial container.

Before long, the moment arrived for the elimination discussion.

The deceivers did a pinky promise in advance, pledging to stick together. "We've come a long way, I won't betray him," stated a player, while their partner just giggled.

However, one did stick to their agreement. But, managing to stay under the radar for most of the game, their partner still received the majority elimination votes.

The remaining traitor appeared he was in a world of pain 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 that player to be eliminated. An endearing deceiver," commented an observer.

"You will forever be remembered in the show's legacy," posted another user.

However, there remained no time to dwell on this departure. Soon, they were at the endgame - this being the moment everyone anticipated.

The last players gathered around the ceremonial fire. And the alliance collapsed, precisely when it was most crucial, in an absolutely shocking development.

A player was painfully banished - after a shock vote from their partner, who betrayed them.

"It hurts to be betrayed last minute like that," remarked the eliminated player. Later, it was revealed that if they ever communicate, the eliminated contestant refers to their former ally as a traitor.

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

A contestant, appearing quite pleased, voted to end the competition. So did a different player, and it all came down to the third, who made the identical choice - resulting in the deceiver emerged victorious.

For observers, the moment where remaining contestants consoled the champion was "beautiful TV". "I anticipate it could be a contender for memorable moment at television honors," they said.

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

"What a rollercoaster. I thought I was terrible at deception, I had no poker face and now I stand the champion," the winner said.

He also made light of the memorable elimination - his best friend during the initial stages - by reaching over the presenter in the concluding moments and making contact.

"You've got something on your face," he said, with his characteristic laugh.

The recent episodes of celebrity gossiping, plotting and sometimes unexpected moments may seem like a bizarre fantasy. But it really did occur. And we will miss it.