Following weeks of suspense, plots and backstabbing, The Celebrity Traitors concludes with a thrilling end

Warning: spoilers ahead - This piece reveals key moments from The Celebrity Traitors conclusion

Over the course of the show, audiences saw eliminations, double-crosses, intense glares, and an unforgettable incident that pierced all tension.

However on the final evening, the final winner of the inaugural celebrity edition was revealed.

Out of nineteen participants, just a handful remained: Traitors and loyal players facing off for the winnings.

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

Ultimately, comedian Alan Carr was crowned the champion, in a shocking outcome that went viral and left him emotional.

"It's been tearing me apart, my apologies," he declared, revealing to the remaining faithfuls that he'd always been one of the deceivers. "I feel terrible about this."

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

Social media quickly erupted with this development. "Most awful traitor ever being the best traitor ever," commented one user.

"There could not have been a better conclusion," wrote a different person, while a third described it as "the television highlight of the year."

His chosen charity, a cancer charity, gets to keep the entire winnings, with the total amount amounting to £87,500.

The comedian's evolution from comic relief to strategic player was among the most memorable aspects 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 just as probable as him keeping composure through one of his own punchlines."

During follow-up conversations, the other contestants explained 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 a traitor. I was too busy laughing," a player said.

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

Carr said he had "absolutely loved" his time on the show.

"I'd like to participate once more... I doubt it would be successful a second time!"

Thursday evening's episode was lengthened to over an hour on television. There was a different start than typical episodes, as all the celebs were aware who would appear at the morning gathering.

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

True to form, the comedian provided unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I began this game a bit of a nervous wreck. I've thrown close allies to save myself, I've murdered national treasures in plain sight. Apparently I'm more deceptive and player than I thought."

At the same time, a different player commented that reaching the conclusion was "significantly more pressure than playing for a national team", while another said he was "completely amazed" to have made it so far.

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

Carr emerged at breakfast resembling a vintage television personality in patterned burgundy attire, before changing into a bejewelled white suit.

However, he got out-jacketted by another contestant's burgundy formal wear. What a look.

Next up was the competition, with the final players getting on board a train named - naturally - The Deceivers' Railway.

This task saw them destroying portraits of eliminated players. Have sympathy for one participant who was hit in the head THREE 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 one, while the other just giggled.

However, one adhered 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 looked like he was in a world of pain to be the last traitor standing. "Now I'm on my own, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm unpredictable, a rudderless ship."

Social media and onlookers were similarly upset.

"I did NOT want that player to be banished. A truly loveable traitor," said an observer.

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

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

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

One contestant was painfully banished - after a shock vote from their ally, who betrayed them.

"This pains me to be stabbed in the back last minute like that," remarked the eliminated player. Subsequently, we learned that when they message, the betrayed player refers to their former ally by a betrayer's name.

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

One player, looking incredibly smug, chose to conclude the competition. The same decision was made by another, and everything depended on the final participant, who made the identical choice - resulting in the traitor emerged victorious.

According to commentators, the moment where the other players consoled the winner was "compelling television". "I anticipate it will be in the running for outstanding scene at television honors," they said.

Fortunately, the champion 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 here I am the champion," he said.

And he even made light of that infamous murder - 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 characteristic laugh.

The recent episodes of celebrity gossiping, plotting and the occasional surprising incidents may seem like a bizarre fantasy. Yet it actually all happen. It will be remembered fondly.