Following multiple episodes of tension, plots and sabotage, Celebrity Traitors concludes with a nail-biting end

Spoiler alert - This piece reveals key moments from Celebrity Traitors conclusion

Throughout the season, viewers witnessed eliminations, double-crosses, serious side-eye, and a memorable moment that pierced the overwhelming suspense.

Yet on Thursday night, the final winner of the inaugural celebrity edition emerged triumphant.

From nineteen participants, only five were left standing: Traitors and loyal players competing for the winnings.

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

In the end, funny man Alan Carr emerged as the winner, in a surprising outcome that went viral and made him tearful.

"This has been destroying me, 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 comforted him. "Everything's fine."

Social media immediately exploded with the news. "Most awful traitor ever being the most effective player," commented one user.

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

The organization he selected, Neuroblastoma UK, will receive the entire winnings, with the total amount amounting to £87,500.

Alan Carr's transformation from giggle liability to strategic player was one of the standout highlights of the series.

However, his victory still left the nation surprised, according to entertainment reporters.

"The idea of Alan, among everyone, pulling off an expert performance in deceit felt just as probable as him keeping a straight face through his comedy routines."

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

"Alan could have come down to breakfast in traitor attire and I still wouldn't have thought 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 charming?" questioned a different contestant.

Carr said 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 lengthened to 70 minutes on television. There was a different start than usual, as all the celebs were aware who would appear at the morning gathering.

There was some very uplifting, and atypical for the show soundtrack, as we recapped key scenes from every remaining player's time in the castle.

True to form, the comedian provided unforgettable quotes.

"Let's face it, I started the competition a bit of a nervous wreck. I've betrayed some really good friends under the bus, I've eliminated beloved figures openly. I'm clearly a better liar and traitor than I believed."

At the same time, a different player noted that reaching the conclusion was "significantly more pressure than playing for a national team", while another said he was "totally surprised" to have made it so far.

In the beginning in the episode, several players appeared to be attempting to become the new style icon of the castle, taking over from the previously eliminated style leader.

Carr emerged at the morning meal resembling a 1950s US chat show host in a checked maroon suit, later switching into an embellished light-colored outfit.

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

Following this was the challenge, 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 was hit in the head THREE times by the cover of a substantial container.

Before long, the moment arrived for the roundtable.

The deceivers made a pact in advance, pledging to support each other. "We've progressed significantly, I won't betray him," stated one, while their partner just giggled.

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

The remaining traitor 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 a loose cannon, without direction."

Social media and viewers were similarly upset.

"I hoped against this contestant to be eliminated. A truly loveable traitor," commented a commentator.

"You will forever be remembered in Traitors history," wrote another user.

But there was little opportunity to focus on their elimination. Soon, they were at the final stage - which was the moment everyone anticipated.

The last players stood over the fire pit. And the alliance collapsed, just when it was most crucial, in an absolutely shocking development.

One contestant was painfully banished - after a shock vote from their ally, who betrayed 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 by a betrayer's name.

Finally, only three contestants remained in the game: the final trio.

A contestant, looking incredibly smug, chose to conclude the competition. So did a different player, and everything depended on the final participant, who did the same - resulting in the deceiver was the winner.

For observers, the scene where the other players consoled the winner was "beautiful TV". "I anticipate it will be in the running for memorable moment at next year's awards," they commented.

Happily, the winner soon recovered from his emotional outburst, and was able to enjoy the moment.

"Such an emotional journey. I thought I was terrible at deception, I had no poker face and here I am a winner," 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 concluding moments and touching her cheek.

"There's something on your face," he said, with his characteristic laugh.

The last few weeks of famous people scheming, plotting and the occasional unexpected moments may feel like a bizarre fantasy. But it really did occur. It will be remembered fondly.