Following multiple episodes of suspense, schemes and backstabbing, Celebrity Traitors concludes with a thrilling end

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

Over the course of the show, viewers witnessed murders, betrayals, intense glares, and an unforgettable incident that pierced all suspense.

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

Out of 19 contestants, just a handful remained: Traitors and loyal players facing off for the prize.

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

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

"It's been tearing me apart, my apologies," he declared, revealing to the other players 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," wrote one user.

"It couldn't have been a more iconic ending," wrote another, while someone else called it "the television highlight of the year."

The organization he selected, a cancer charity, gets to keep the entire winnings, with the total amount reaching eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

The comedian's evolution from comic relief 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 idea of Alan, of all people, executing a masterclass in deception felt about as likely as him maintaining composure through his comedy routines."

On subsequent discussions, fellow players summed up why no one had truly doubted him.

"Alan could have come down to the morning meal in a green cloak and I wouldn't have believed he was deceiving us. His humor distracted me," one participant said.

"Most people didn't vote for him because how can you eliminate a person so charming?" questioned another celebrity.

Carr said he had "absolutely loved" his time on the show.

"I'd like to do it again... I doubt it would work again!"

Thursday evening's episode was lengthened to over an hour on television. There was a different start than typical episodes, as all the celebs knew who would appear at the breakfast table.

Viewers heard particularly inspiring, and atypical for the show music, as the episode revisited key scenes from every remaining player's time in the castle.

True to form, Alan Carr gave us unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I began this game as something of an anxious mess. I've thrown close allies under the bus, I've eliminated national treasures in plain sight. Apparently I'm a better liar and player than I believed."

Meanwhile, a different player noted that reaching the conclusion was "significantly more pressure than playing for England", while someone else said he was "totally surprised" to have lasted this long.

Early on in the episode, several players appeared to be making a bid to become the fashion standout of the castle, taking over from the previously eliminated fashionable contestant.

The winner appeared at the morning meal looking like 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.

Next up was the challenge, with the final players getting on board a train named - of course - The Traitors Express.

This task involved destroying images of former contestants. Spare a thought for a player who managed to get hit in the head multiple times by the cover of a substantial container.

Soon after, the moment arrived for the elimination discussion.

The deceivers made a pact beforehand, vowing to support each other. "We've come a long way, I'm not going to betray him," stated a player, while the other simply laughed.

However, one did stick to their agreement. Yet, having slipped under the radar for most of the game, the other still received the majority elimination votes.

The remaining traitor looked like he was in significant distress to be the final deceiver remaining. "Now I'm on my own, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, a rudderless ship."

Social media and onlookers were similarly upset.

"I hoped against that player to be banished. An endearing deceiver," commented an observer.

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

However, there remained little opportunity to focus on their elimination. Soon, 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 mattered the most, in a truly WTF moment.

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

"It hurts to be betrayed at the final moment like that," said the ousted contestant. Later, we learned that if they ever communicate, the eliminated contestant calls the other by a betrayer's name.

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

One player, looking incredibly smug, voted to end the game. The same decision was made by a different player, and it all came down to the final participant, who made the identical choice - which meant that the deceiver emerged victorious.

According to commentators, the scene where remaining contestants comforted the champion was "beautiful TV". "I anticipate it will be in the running for memorable moment at television honors," they commented.

Fortunately, the champion quickly regained composure from his emotional outburst, and was able to enjoy his victory.

"What a rollercoaster. I thought I was terrible at deception, my expressions gave me away and here I am the champion," the winner said.

He also made light of that infamous murder - his best friend during the initial stages - by leaning toward the host in the final scene and making contact.

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

The last few weeks of famous people scheming, scheming and sometimes surprising incidents may seem like one big crazy jumbled dream. Yet it actually occur. It will be remembered fondly.