Following multiple episodes of tension, schemes and backstabbing, The Celebrity Traitors concludes with a thrilling end

Spoiler alert - This article discloses details from The Celebrity Traitors finale

Over the course of the show, audiences saw murders, double-crosses, intense glares, and a memorable moment that cut through all suspense.

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

Out of nineteen participants, just a handful were left standing: Deceivers and faithfuls facing off for the prize.

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

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

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

"You played amazingly," they comforted him. "It's all right."

Social media immediately exploded with the news. "Most awful traitor ever 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 TV moment of the year."

His chosen charity, Neuroblastoma UK, will receive all the prize money, with the final pot reaching eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

The comedian's evolution from giggle liability to cold-hearted killer was among the most memorable aspects of the series.

However, his victory still left the nation surprised, as noted by entertainment reporters.

"The thought of him, among everyone, executing a masterclass in deceit felt about as likely as him maintaining a straight face through one of his own punchlines."

On subsequent discussions, the other contestants summed up why no one had truly doubted him.

"Alan could have appeared to the morning meal in traitor attire and I still wouldn't have thought he was deceiving us. I was too busy laughing," one participant said.

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

Carr said he had "absolutely loved" his experience with the program.

"I want to do it again... I doubt it would work again!"

The final episode was extended to 70 minutes on the network. It had a different start than typical episodes, as all the celebs knew who'd make it at the morning gathering.

Viewers heard particularly inspiring, and atypical for the show music, as we recapped some moments from every remaining player's experience in the game.

True to form, the comedian provided unforgettable quotes.

"Let's face it, I started the competition a bit of an anxious mess. I've betrayed close allies under the bus, I've eliminated beloved figures openly. Apparently I'm more deceptive and traitor than I thought."

At the same time, another contestant commented that being in the final was "significantly more pressure than playing for a national team", while another said he was "totally surprised" to have made it so far.

Early on in the episode, various contestants appeared to be making a bid to become the fashion standout of the competition, replacing the previously eliminated fashionable contestant.

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

However, he got outstyled by another contestant's burgundy formal wear. Impressive style.

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

This task saw them destroying portraits of eliminated players. Have sympathy for one participant who was hit in the head multiple times by the lid of a heavy wooden box.

Soon after, it was time for the elimination discussion.

Two traitors made a pact in advance, vowing to support each other. "We've come a long way, I'm not going to betray him," said a player, 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 remaining traitor appeared he was in significant distress to be the last traitor standing. "Now I'm on my own, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, a rudderless ship."

Social media and viewers were equally disappointed.

"I did NOT want that player to be eliminated. An endearing deceiver," said a commentator.

"Your legacy will remain in the show's legacy," wrote another user.

However, there remained no time to focus on their elimination. Before long, they were at the final stage - which was the moment everyone anticipated.

The last players gathered around the fire pit. And the alliance broke down, just when it was most crucial, in a truly WTF moment.

A player was painfully banished - after a shock vote from their partner, who betrayed them.

"It hurts to be betrayed last minute like that," said the eliminated player. Subsequently, we learned that if they ever communicate, the eliminated contestant calls the other by a betrayer's name.

Ultimately, only three contestants were still competing: the last participants.

A contestant, appearing quite pleased, chose to conclude the game. So did a different player, and it all came down to the third, who did the same - resulting in the traitor emerged victorious.

For observers, the scene where remaining contestants comforted the winner was "compelling television". "I anticipate it will be a contender for outstanding scene at next year's awards," they said.

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

"Such an emotional journey. I thought I was terrible at deception, I had no poker face and now I stand a winner," he said.

And he even joked about that infamous murder - his close ally in an early episode - by reaching over the presenter in the final scene and touching her cheek.

"There's something on your face," he said, with his trademark giggle.

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