After weeks of suspense, plots and sabotage, The Celebrity Traitors has reached a thrilling end

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

Throughout the season, viewers witnessed murders, betrayals, serious side-eye, and a memorable moment that pierced the overwhelming suspense.

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

From 19 contestants, only five were left standing: Deceivers and loyal players facing off for the winnings.

Before long, the competition tightened to only three contenders: the remaining contestants.

In the end, 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 declared, admitting to the other players that he was actually a traitor. "I'm an awful human being."

"You played amazingly," they comforted him. "Everything's fine."

Social media immediately exploded with this development. "The worst deceiver being the best traitor ever," commented a viewer.

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

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

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

But his win still shocked viewers in shock, as noted by entertainment reporters.

"The idea of Alan, among everyone, pulling off a masterclass in deception felt about as likely as him keeping a straight face through one of his own punchlines."

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

"Alan could have appeared 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 target him because how can you eliminate someone who is so loveable?" asked 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 be successful again!"

The final installment was lengthened to 70 minutes on the network. There was an unusual opening than typical episodes, as all the celebs were aware who'd make it at the breakfast table.

Viewers heard some very uplifting, and atypical for the show soundtrack, as the episode revisited some moments from each of the finalists' time in the castle.

As ever, Alan Carr gave us some of the most memorable lines.

"To be honest, I started this game a bit of an anxious mess. I've thrown some really good friends to save myself, I've murdered national treasures in plain sight. I'm clearly a better liar and player than I believed."

At the same time, another contestant noted that being in the final was "way more stressful than playing for England", while someone else said he was "totally surprised" to have lasted this long.

In the beginning of the finale, several players seemed to be attempting to become the fashion standout of the castle, taking over from an earlier departed fashionable contestant.

The winner appeared at the morning meal resembling a vintage television personality in a checked maroon suit, later switching into a bejewelled white suit.

But he was out-jacketted by a fellow player's burgundy formal wear. Impressive style.

Following this was the competition, with the remaining contestants getting on board a locomotive called - of course - The Deceivers' Railway.

This task saw them ripping up portraits of eliminated players. Have sympathy for one participant who managed to get hit in the head multiple times by the lid of a substantial container.

Soon after, the moment arrived for the elimination discussion.

Two traitors made a pact in advance, pledging to stick together. "We've come a long way, I'm not going to betray him," said one, while their partner just giggled.

And one did stick to their agreement. Yet, managing to stay unnoticed for the majority of the competition, their partner still got the most votes.

The remaining traitor appeared he was in significant distress to be the last traitor standing. "Now I'm on my own, 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 banished. A truly loveable traitor," commented a commentator.

"You will forever be remembered in Traitors history," wrote a different viewer.

But there was no time to focus on their elimination. Before long, they were at the final stage - this being the moment everyone anticipated.

The final four stood over the fire pit. Meanwhile, the partnership collapsed, just when it mattered the most, in an absolutely shocking development.

One contestant was painfully banished - following a surprising decision from their ally, who betrayed them.

"It hurts to be betrayed at the final moment in that manner," said the ousted contestant. Later, we learned that if they ever communicate, the eliminated contestant refers to the other as a traitor.

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

A contestant, looking incredibly smug, voted to end the game. So did another, and everything depended on the final participant, who made the identical choice - which meant that the traitor emerged victorious.

According to commentators, the scene where remaining contestants comforted the winner was "beautiful TV". "I anticipate it could be in the running for outstanding scene at television honors," they commented.

Fortunately, the winner quickly regained composure from his emotional outburst, and was able to enjoy his victory.

"Such an emotional journey. I thought I was terrible at deception, my expressions gave me away and here I am the champion," he said.

He also joked about the memorable elimination - his best friend during the initial stages - by reaching over the host in the concluding moments 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 sometimes unexpected moments may feel like one big crazy jumbled dream. But it really did occur. And we will miss it.