After weeks of tension, plots and backstabbing, The Celebrity Traitors concludes with a nail-biting end

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

Throughout the season, audiences saw eliminations, double-crosses, intense glares, and a memorable moment that pierced all suspense.

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

Out of 19 contestants, only five remained: Deceivers and loyal players facing off for the winnings.

Soon, the competition tightened to just three: the remaining contestants.

In the end, funny man Alan Carr was crowned the champion, in a surprising result that went viral and left him emotional.

"This has been destroying me, I'm so sorry," he declared, admitting to the other players that he was actually one of the deceivers. "I'm an awful human being."

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

Online platforms quickly erupted with the news. "The worst deceiver being the most effective player," wrote a viewer.

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

His chosen charity, a cancer charity, will receive the entire winnings, with the total amount amounting to £87,500.

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

But his win still shocked viewers in shock, according to industry observers.

"The idea of Alan, of all people, executing an expert performance in deception felt just as probable as him keeping a straight face through one of his own punchlines."

On subsequent discussions, fellow players summed up why no one had ever really suspected him.

"He might have appeared to breakfast in traitor attire and I wouldn't have believed he was deceiving us. His humor distracted me," a player said.

"Most people didn't vote for him because how can you vote for someone who is so loveable?" asked another celebrity.

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

"I want to participate once more... I don't think it would work a second time!"

The final installment was lengthened to 70 minutes on the network. It had a different start than usual, as every celebrity were aware who would appear at the morning gathering.

Viewers heard particularly inspiring, and atypical for the show music, as we recapped key scenes from each of the finalists' experience in the game.

As ever, the comedian gave us unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I began this game as something of a nervous wreck. I've thrown some really good friends under the bus, I've murdered beloved figures openly. I'm clearly more deceptive and player than I believed."

Meanwhile, another contestant noted that being in the final was "way more stressful than playing for a national team", while someone else said he was "completely amazed" to have made it so far.

Early on of the finale, various contestants seemed to be making a bid to become the new style icon of the castle, replacing the previously eliminated style leader.

Carr emerged at the morning meal looking like a vintage television personality in a checked maroon suit, later switching into an embellished light-colored outfit.

But he was out-jacketted by a fellow player's maroon velvet tuxedo. Impressive style.

Next up was the challenge, with the final players boarding a locomotive called - of course - The Traitors Express.

This task involved ripping up portraits of eliminated players. Spare a thought for a player who was hit in the head THREE times by the cover of a heavy wooden box.

Soon after, it was time for the elimination discussion.

Two traitors 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.

And one adhered to his promise. But, managing to stay unnoticed for most of the game, 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."

Online platforms and viewers were similarly upset.

"I did NOT want that player to be banished. A truly loveable traitor," said a commentator.

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

But there was little opportunity to dwell on their elimination. Soon, the game reached the endgame - which was the moment everyone anticipated.

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

A player was eliminated in dramatic fashion - following a surprising decision from their ally, who betrayed them.

"It hurts 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.

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

One player, looking incredibly smug, voted to end the game. The same decision was made by a different player, and everything depended on the final participant, who did the same - which meant that the deceiver emerged victorious.

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

Happily, the winner soon recovered from his bout of tears, and was able to enjoy the moment.

"What a rollercoaster. I was awful at lying, my expressions gave me away and now I stand the champion," the winner said.

And he even made light of that infamous murder - his best friend during the initial stages - by reaching over the host in the concluding moments and making contact.

"You've got something on your face," he said, with his trademark giggle.

The last few weeks of famous people scheming, plotting and the occasional unexpected moments may feel like one big crazy jumbled dream. Yet it actually occur. And we will miss it.