After multiple episodes of suspense, schemes and sabotage, Celebrity Traitors concludes with a thrilling end

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

Throughout the season, audiences saw eliminations, betrayals, intense glares, and a memorable moment that pierced all tension.

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

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

Soon, the field narrowed to only three contenders: the final players.

In the end, comedian Alan Carr emerged as the winner, in a surprising outcome that went viral and left him emotional.

"This has been destroying me, my apologies," he exclaimed, revealing to the other players that he was actually one of the deceivers. "I'm an awful human being."

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

Social media quickly erupted with this development. "The worst deceiver being the most effective player," wrote one user.

"There could not have been a more iconic ending," stated a different person, while someone else described it as "the television highlight of the year."

His chosen charity, Neuroblastoma UK, gets to keep all the prize money, with the total amount reaching eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

Alan Carr's transformation from comic relief to cold-hearted killer was among the most memorable aspects of the season.

However, his victory still left the nation surprised, as noted by industry observers.

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

On subsequent discussions, fellow players summed up the reasons nobody 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," a player said.

"The majority didn't vote for him because how does one vote for someone who is so charming?" asked another celebrity.

Carr said he had "thoroughly enjoyed" his time on the show.

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

The final episode was extended to 70 minutes on the network. It had an unusual opening than usual, as every celebrity were aware who'd make it at the breakfast table.

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

True to form, the comedian provided some of the most memorable lines.

"Let's face it, I started the competition as something of an anxious mess. I've betrayed close allies to save myself, I've murdered beloved figures openly. Apparently I'm a better liar and traitor than I believed."

Meanwhile, a different player commented that being in the final was "significantly more pressure than playing for England", while another said he was "totally surprised" to have made it so far.

In the beginning of the finale, various contestants 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 looking like a 1950s US chat show host 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 competition, with the final players boarding a locomotive called - naturally - The Traitors Express.

This task involved destroying images of former contestants. Spare a thought for a player who was hit in the head THREE times by the cover of a heavy wooden box.

Before long, it was time for the elimination discussion.

The deceivers did a pinky promise beforehand, pledging to support each other. "We've progressed significantly, I'm not going to betray him," stated one, while the other just giggled.

And one did stick to their agreement. Yet, having slipped unnoticed for the majority of the competition, the other still received the majority elimination votes.

The last deceiver looked like he was in a world of pain to be the last traitor standing. "Being alone, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, without direction."

Online platforms and viewers were equally disappointed.

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

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

But there was no time to focus on this departure. Before long, the game reached the final stage - this being the moment everyone anticipated.

The last players gathered around the fire pit. And the alliance collapsed, just when it mattered the most, in an absolutely shocking development.

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

"It hurts to be stabbed in the back last minute like that," remarked the ousted contestant. Later, it was revealed that if they ever communicate, the betrayed player calls their former ally by a betrayer's name.

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

A contestant, looking incredibly smug, chose to conclude the game. The same decision was made by a different player, and everything depended on the final participant, who made the identical choice - resulting in the deceiver emerged victorious.

For observers, the moment where the other players consoled the winner was "compelling television". "I predict it could be in the running for outstanding scene at next year's awards," they commented.

Fortunately, the champion quickly regained composure from his emotional outburst, and could finally appreciate his victory.

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

And he even joked about that infamous murder - his best friend in an early episode - by leaning toward the host in the final scene and touching her cheek.

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

The recent episodes of famous people scheming, scheming and sometimes unexpected moments may seem like one big crazy jumbled dream. But it really did all happen. And we will miss it.