Following weeks of suspense, schemes and sabotage, Celebrity Traitors concludes with a nail-biting end

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

Throughout the season, audiences saw murders, double-crosses, intense glares, and an unforgettable incident that pierced the overwhelming suspense.

Yet on the final evening, the final winner of the inaugural celebrity edition was revealed.

From nineteen participants, just a handful remained: Deceivers and loyal players competing for the prize.

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

In the end, comedian Alan Carr was crowned the winner, in a shocking result that went viral and left him emotional.

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

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

Social media quickly erupted with this development. "Most awful traitor ever being the most effective player," wrote one user.

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

The organization he selected, Neuroblastoma UK, gets to keep all the prize money, with the total amount reaching £87,500.

Alan Carr's transformation from comic relief to strategic player was one of the standout highlights of the season.

However, his victory still left the nation in shock, according to industry observers.

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

During follow-up conversations, fellow players explained the reasons nobody had ever really suspected him.

"Alan could 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," one participant said.

"Most people didn't vote for him because how can you vote for a person so charming?" asked a different contestant.

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

"I'd like to do it again... I don't think it would work again!"

Thursday evening's episode was extended to over an hour on television. There was a different start than usual, as all the celebs knew who'd make it at the breakfast table.

There was some very uplifting, and very un-Traitors-esque music, as the episode revisited key scenes from every remaining player's experience in the game.

True to form, Alan Carr provided unforgettable quotes.

"Let's face it, I began this game a bit of a nervous wreck. I've betrayed some really good friends to save myself, I've murdered national treasures openly. I'm clearly more deceptive and player than I thought."

At the same time, another contestant commented that reaching the conclusion was "significantly more pressure than competing with a national team", while someone else said he was "completely amazed" to have lasted this long.

In the beginning in the episode, several players seemed to be making a bid to become the new style icon of the castle, replacing the previously eliminated style leader.

Carr emerged at breakfast resembling a vintage television personality in patterned burgundy attire, before changing into a bejewelled white suit.

However, he got outstyled by another contestant's burgundy formal wear. What a look.

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

The challenge saw them destroying images of former contestants. Spare a thought for one participant who was hit in the head THREE times by the cover of a substantial container.

Soon after, it was time for the elimination discussion.

Two traitors did a pinky promise in advance, pledging to support each other. "We've progressed significantly, I won't betray him," stated one, while the other just giggled.

And one did stick to their agreement. But, having slipped under the radar for the majority of the competition, the other still got the most votes.

The remaining traitor looked like he was in a world of pain to be the final deceiver remaining. "Being alone, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm unpredictable, without direction."

Social media and onlookers were similarly upset.

"I hoped against this contestant to be banished. A truly loveable traitor," commented an observer.

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

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

The final four gathered around the ceremonial fire. And the alliance broke down, precisely when it mattered the most, in an absolutely shocking development.

One contestant was eliminated in dramatic fashion - following a surprising decision from their ally, who turned against them.

"This pains me to be stabbed in the back last minute in that manner," remarked the eliminated player. Subsequently, it was revealed that when they message, the betrayed player calls the other by a betrayer's name.

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

One player, looking incredibly smug, chose to conclude the competition. The same decision was made by a different player, and everything depended on the third, who did the same - resulting in the deceiver was the winner.

For observers, the scene where remaining contestants consoled the champion was "beautiful TV". "I anticipate it could be in the running for memorable moment at next year's awards," they said.

Happily, the winner soon recovered from his emotional outburst, and was able to enjoy 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 that infamous murder - his close ally in an early episode - by reaching over 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 sometimes unexpected moments may feel like one big crazy jumbled dream. Yet it actually all happen. It will be remembered fondly.