After weeks of suspense, plots and sabotage, Celebrity Traitors concludes with a thrilling end

Spoiler alert - This piece discloses key moments from The Celebrity Traitors conclusion

Over the course of the show, viewers witnessed murders, betrayals, serious side-eye, and a memorable moment that pierced all suspense.

However on Thursday night, the final winner of the first Celebrity Traitors was revealed.

From 19 contestants, only five remained: Traitors and faithfuls competing for the winnings.

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

In the end, funny man Alan Carr emerged as the champion, in a surprising result that went viral and made him tearful.

"This has been destroying me, my apologies," he exclaimed, admitting to the other players that he was actually a traitor. "I feel terrible about this."

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

Online platforms immediately exploded with this development. "Most awful traitor ever being the best traitor ever," wrote a viewer.

"It couldn't have been a more iconic ending," stated a different person, while someone else described it as "the TV moment of the year."

The organization he selected, a cancer charity, gets to keep the entire winnings, with the final pot reaching eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

Alan Carr's transformation from giggle liability to strategic player was among the most memorable aspects 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 just as probable as him keeping composure through his comedy routines."

On subsequent discussions, the other contestants summed up the reasons nobody had ever really suspected him.

"He might have come down to the morning meal in traitor attire and I wouldn't have believed he was a traitor. His humor distracted me," a player said.

"The majority didn't target him because how does one vote for someone who is so charming?" asked another celebrity.

The winner stated he had "thoroughly enjoyed" his time on the program.

"I'd like to participate once more... I don't think it would be successful again!"

Thursday evening's installment was extended to over an hour on the network. It had an unusual opening than typical episodes, as all the celebs knew who'd make it at the breakfast table.

Viewers heard some very uplifting, and very un-Traitors-esque soundtrack, as the episode revisited key scenes from every remaining player's experience in the game.

True to form, the comedian gave us some of the most memorable lines.

"To be honest, I began this game as something of an anxious mess. I've betrayed some really good friends to save myself, I've eliminated national treasures in plain sight. Apparently I'm a better liar and player than I thought."

At the same time, a different player commented that reaching the conclusion was "way more stressful than playing for a national team", 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 new style icon of the castle, taking over from the previously eliminated style leader.

Carr emerged at the morning meal resembling a 1950s US chat show host 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.

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

This task involved destroying portraits of eliminated players. Spare a thought for a player who was hit in the head multiple times by the lid of a substantial container.

Before long, the moment arrived for the elimination discussion.

The deceivers did a pinky promise beforehand, pledging to stick together. "We've progressed significantly, I won't betray him," said one, while the other just giggled.

However, one adhered to their agreement. But, having slipped unnoticed for most of the game, their partner still got the most votes.

The remaining traitor appeared he was in significant distress to be the last traitor standing. "Being alone, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm unpredictable, without direction."

Online platforms and onlookers were similarly upset.

"I hoped against that player to be banished. A truly loveable traitor," said a commentator.

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

However, there remained little opportunity to focus on their elimination. Soon, the game reached the endgame - this being what we were really all here for.

The last players stood over the fire pit. Meanwhile, the partnership broke down, precisely when it mattered the most, in a truly WTF moment.

A player was painfully banished - after a shock vote from their ally, who turned against them.

"This pains me to be stabbed in the back at the final moment like that," remarked the ousted contestant. Subsequently, we learned that when they message, the eliminated contestant refers to their former ally by a betrayer's name.

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

One player, appearing quite pleased, voted to end the game. So did another, and it all came down to the final participant, who did the same - resulting in the traitor emerged victorious.

For observers, the moment where the other players comforted the champion was "beautiful TV". "I predict it could be in the running for memorable moment at next year's awards," they commented.

Fortunately, the winner quickly regained composure from his bout of tears, and could finally appreciate his victory.

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

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

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

The recent episodes of celebrity gossiping, scheming and sometimes surprising incidents may feel like a bizarre fantasy. But it really did all happen. And we will miss it.