After multiple episodes of suspense, plots and backstabbing, The Celebrity Traitors concludes with a thrilling finale

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

Over the course of the show, viewers witnessed eliminations, double-crosses, serious side-eye, and an unforgettable incident that cut through the overwhelming tension.

However on Thursday night, the ultimate victor of the inaugural Celebrity Traitors emerged triumphant.

From 19 contestants, only five remained: Traitors and loyal players facing off for the winnings.

Before long, the competition tightened to just three: the final players.

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

"It's been tearing me apart, my apologies," he declared, 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 immediately exploded with this development. "The worst deceiver being the most effective player," commented one user.

"It couldn't have been a better conclusion," 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 eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

The comedian's evolution from giggle liability to cold-hearted killer was one of the standout highlights of the series.

But his win still left the nation in shock, according to industry observers.

"The idea of Alan, of all people, pulling off a masterclass in deceit felt just as probable as him keeping composure through one of his own punchlines."

During follow-up conversations, the other contestants summed up why no one had ever really suspected him.

"He might have appeared to the morning meal in a green cloak and I still wouldn't have thought he was deceiving us. I was too busy laughing," a player said.

"Most people didn't vote for him because how does one vote for a person so charming?" questioned another celebrity.

The winner stated he had "thoroughly enjoyed" his experience with the program.

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

Thursday evening's episode was extended to 70 minutes on television. There was a different start than typical episodes, as every celebrity knew who'd make it at the morning gathering.

There was particularly inspiring, and atypical for the show soundtrack, as we recapped some moments from each of the finalists' experience in the game.

True to form, the comedian gave us unforgettable quotes.

"Let's face it, I began this game as something of a nervous wreck. I've thrown close allies under the bus, I've eliminated beloved figures openly. Apparently I'm more deceptive and traitor than I thought."

Meanwhile, a different player commented that being in the final was "way more stressful than playing for England", while someone else said he was "completely amazed" to have lasted this long.

In the beginning of the finale, various contestants appeared to be making a bid to become the fashion standout of the competition, replacing an earlier departed fashionable contestant.

Carr emerged at breakfast resembling a vintage television personality in a checked maroon suit, before changing into an embellished light-colored outfit.

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

Following this was the challenge, with the final players boarding a train named - of course - The Deceivers' Railway.

The challenge saw them ripping up portraits of eliminated players. Spare a thought for a player who managed to get hit in the head multiple times by the cover of a substantial container.

Soon after, it was time for the elimination discussion.

The deceivers made a pact beforehand, pledging to support each other. "We've come a long way, I won't throw him under a bus," stated a player, while the other just giggled.

However, one did stick to their agreement. Yet, having slipped under the radar for most of the game, the other still received the majority elimination votes.

The remaining traitor appeared to be experiencing significant distress to be the last traitor standing. "Now I'm on my own, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm unpredictable, without direction."

Online platforms and onlookers were equally disappointed.

"I did NOT want this contestant to be eliminated. A truly loveable traitor," commented a commentator.

"Your legacy will remain in the show's legacy," wrote a different viewer.

But there was little opportunity to dwell on this departure. Before long, they were at the endgame - which was what we were really all here for.

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

One contestant was eliminated in dramatic fashion - following a surprising decision from their partner, who betrayed them.

"It hurts to be betrayed at the final moment like that," said the ousted contestant. Subsequently, we learned that when they message, the eliminated contestant refers to their former ally as a traitor.

Finally, just three players remained in the game: the last participants.

One player, looking incredibly smug, voted to end the competition. So did a different player, and it all came down to the third, who made the identical choice - which meant that the deceiver emerged victorious.

According to commentators, the scene where remaining contestants comforted the champion was "compelling television". "I anticipate it could be a contender for memorable moment at television honors," they said.

Fortunately, the champion soon recovered from his emotional outburst, and could finally appreciate his victory.

"What a rollercoaster. I was awful at lying, my expressions gave me away and here I am the champion," he said.

He also joked about that infamous murder - his close ally during the initial stages - by leaning toward the host in the final scene and making contact.

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

The recent episodes of famous people scheming, scheming and sometimes unexpected moments may feel like a bizarre fantasy. Yet it actually all happen. And we will miss it.