Following multiple episodes of suspense, plots and sabotage, Celebrity Traitors concludes with a thrilling end

Spoiler alert - This piece reveals details from The Celebrity Traitors conclusion

Over the course of the show, audiences saw murders, double-crosses, serious side-eye, and a memorable moment that pierced the overwhelming suspense.

However on Thursday night, the ultimate victor of the first Celebrity Traitors was revealed.

From 19 contestants, just a handful were left standing: Traitors and faithfuls facing off for the winnings.

Before long, the field narrowed to just three: the remaining contestants.

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

"This has been destroying me, my apologies," he declared, admitting to the remaining faithfuls that he'd always been a traitor. "I feel terrible about this."

"You did brilliantly," they comforted him. "It's all right."

Social media immediately exploded with the news. "The worst deceiver being the most effective player," wrote one user.

"There could not have been a more iconic ending," stated another, while a third described it as "the TV moment of the year."

The organization he selected, a cancer charity, will receive all the prize money, 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.

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

"The thought of him, of all people, pulling off an expert performance in deception felt about as likely as him keeping a straight face through his comedy routines."

During follow-up conversations, fellow players explained the reasons nobody had ever really suspected him.

"Alan could have come down to breakfast in traitor attire and I wouldn't have believed he was deceiving us. I was too busy laughing," a player said.

"The majority didn't target him because how does one vote for a person so charming?" questioned a different contestant.

The winner stated he had "absolutely loved" his experience with the show.

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

The final episode was extended to over an hour on the network. There was an unusual opening than usual, as all the celebs were aware who would appear at the morning gathering.

Viewers heard particularly inspiring, and very un-Traitors-esque music, as we recapped key scenes from every remaining player's experience in the game.

True to form, Alan Carr gave us unforgettable quotes.

"Let's face it, I began the competition a bit of an anxious mess. I've thrown close allies to save myself, I've eliminated beloved figures openly. I'm clearly more deceptive and player than I thought."

Meanwhile, another contestant commented that reaching the conclusion was "way more stressful than competing with England", while another said he was "completely amazed" to have lasted this long.

In the beginning in the episode, various contestants appeared to be attempting to become the fashion standout of the competition, replacing an earlier departed style leader.

The winner appeared at the morning meal looking like a vintage television personality in a checked maroon suit, before changing into a bejewelled white suit.

However, he got out-jacketted by another contestant's maroon velvet tuxedo. What a look.

Next up was the competition, with the remaining contestants getting on board a locomotive called - naturally - The Deceivers' Railway.

The challenge involved destroying images of former contestants. Have sympathy for a player who managed to get hit on the head multiple times by the cover of a substantial container.

Before long, the moment arrived for the roundtable.

The deceivers did a pinky promise beforehand, vowing to support each other. "We've come a long way, I won't throw him under a bus," said one, while their partner just giggled.

And one did stick to their agreement. But, having slipped under the radar for the majority of the competition, their partner still received the majority elimination votes.

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

Online platforms and viewers were similarly upset.

"I hoped against that player to be eliminated. An endearing deceiver," said a commentator.

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

However, there remained little opportunity to focus on their elimination. Before long, the game reached the final stage - which was what we were really all here for.

The final four gathered around the fire pit. Meanwhile, the partnership broke down, just when it was most crucial, in an absolutely shocking development.

One contestant was eliminated in dramatic fashion - after a shock vote from their partner, who turned against them.

"It hurts to be betrayed at the final moment in that manner," remarked the ousted contestant. Later, 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.

A contestant, appearing quite pleased, chose to conclude the game. The same decision was made by another, and it all came down to the final participant, who made the identical choice - which meant that the traitor emerged victorious.

According to commentators, the scene where remaining contestants consoled the winner was "beautiful TV". "I predict it will be in the running for memorable moment at next year's awards," they said.

Happily, the champion soon recovered from his bout of tears, and could finally appreciate his victory.

"What a rollercoaster. I thought I was terrible at deception, my expressions gave me away and now I stand a winner," he said.

He also joked about that infamous murder - his best friend during the initial stages - by reaching over the presenter in the final scene and making contact.

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

The recent episodes of famous people scheming, scheming and sometimes unexpected moments may feel like a bizarre fantasy. Yet it actually occur. It will be remembered fondly.