Following multiple episodes of tension, plots and sabotage, Celebrity Traitors has reached a thrilling finale

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

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

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

From 19 contestants, just a handful remained: Deceivers and faithfuls competing for the prize.

Soon, the field narrowed to only three contenders: the remaining contestants.

In the end, comedian Alan Carr emerged as the winner, in a surprising 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'd always been one of the deceivers. "I feel terrible about this."

"You played amazingly," they comforted him. "Everything's fine."

Online platforms immediately exploded with this development. "Most awful traitor ever being the best traitor ever," commented one user.

"There could not have been a better conclusion," stated a different person, while a third called it "the TV moment of the year."

The organization he selected, Neuroblastoma UK, will receive the entire winnings, with the final pot reaching eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

Alan Carr's transformation from comic relief to strategic player was among the most memorable aspects of the series.

But his win still shocked viewers surprised, as noted by entertainment reporters.

"The idea of Alan, of all people, executing an expert performance in deceit felt just as probable as him keeping a straight face through his comedy routines."

On subsequent discussions, fellow players summed up 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 a traitor. I was too busy laughing," one participant said.

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

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

"I want to do it again... I don't think it would work a second time!"

Thursday evening's installment was lengthened to over an hour on the network. There was a different start than usual, as every celebrity knew who'd make it at the breakfast table.

Viewers heard some very uplifting, and very un-Traitors-esque soundtrack, as we recapped some moments from every remaining player's experience in the game.

As ever, the comedian provided unforgettable quotes.

"Let's face it, I began this game as something of a nervous wreck. I've thrown close allies to save myself, I've murdered beloved figures openly. I'm clearly a better liar and player than I believed."

Meanwhile, another contestant commented that reaching the conclusion was "way more stressful than playing for England", while someone else said he was "totally surprised" to have made it so far.

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

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 a fellow player's maroon velvet tuxedo. What a look.

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

The challenge saw them destroying portraits of eliminated players. Have sympathy for a player who was hit on the head THREE times by the lid of a substantial container.

Before long, it was time for the elimination discussion.

The deceivers made a pact beforehand, 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 adhered to his promise. But, having slipped under the radar for most of the game, their partner still received the majority elimination votes.

The remaining traitor appeared he was in significant distress to be the final deceiver remaining. "Being alone, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm unpredictable, a rudderless ship."

Social media and onlookers were equally disappointed.

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

"You will forever be remembered in Traitors history," posted a different viewer.

However, there remained little opportunity to dwell on this departure. Soon, the game reached the final stage - this being the moment everyone anticipated.

The last players stood over the fire pit. Meanwhile, the partnership broke down, just when it mattered the most, in a truly WTF moment.

A player was painfully banished - following a surprising decision from their ally, who turned against them.

"It hurts to be stabbed in the back at the final moment in that manner," remarked the eliminated player. Subsequently, we learned that when they message, the betrayed player refers to their former ally as a traitor.

Finally, just three players were still competing: the final trio.

A contestant, appearing quite pleased, chose to conclude the game. So did a different player, and everything depended on the final participant, who did the same - which meant that the deceiver was the winner.

According to commentators, the scene where the other players comforted the champion was "compelling television". "I predict it will be in the running for memorable moment at television honors," they commented.

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

"What a rollercoaster. 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 that infamous murder - his close ally during the initial stages - by reaching over the host 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 seem like one big crazy jumbled dream. But it really did occur. It will be remembered fondly.