Following weeks of tension, plots and sabotage, The Celebrity Traitors concludes with a nail-biting end

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

Over the course of the show, viewers witnessed eliminations, double-crosses, intense glares, and a memorable moment that cut through all suspense.

However on Thursday night, the final winner of the first celebrity edition was revealed.

From nineteen participants, just a handful remained: Deceivers and loyal players facing off for the prize.

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

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

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

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

Online platforms quickly erupted with the news. "The worst deceiver being the most effective player," wrote one user.

"It couldn't have been a more iconic ending," wrote a different person, while a third called it "the television highlight of the year."

His chosen charity, Neuroblastoma UK, will receive all the prize money, with the final pot reaching £87,500.

The comedian's evolution from comic relief to strategic player was one of the standout highlights of the series.

But his win still shocked viewers surprised, according to industry observers.

"The thought of him, of all people, pulling off a masterclass in deception felt about as likely as him maintaining composure through one of his own punchlines."

During follow-up conversations, fellow players explained why no one had truly doubted him.

"He might have appeared to breakfast in a green cloak and I wouldn't have believed he was a traitor. His humor distracted me," one participant said.

"The majority didn't vote for him because how can you eliminate someone who is so charming?" asked a different contestant.

The winner stated he had "absolutely loved" his time on the show.

"I want to do it again... I don't think it would be successful a second time!"

Thursday evening's installment was lengthened to over an hour on the network. It had a different start than usual, as all the celebs were aware who would appear at the breakfast table.

Viewers heard particularly inspiring, and atypical for the show soundtrack, as we recapped key scenes from each of the finalists' time in the castle.

True to form, the comedian gave us unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I started this game as something of a nervous wreck. I've betrayed close allies under the bus, I've eliminated beloved figures in plain sight. I'm clearly a better liar and traitor than I believed."

At the same time, a different player noted that being in the final was "way more stressful than competing with 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 new style icon of the competition, taking over from an earlier departed style leader.

The winner appeared at the morning meal looking like a 1950s US chat show host in a checked maroon suit, before changing into an embellished light-colored outfit.

But he was out-jacketted by another contestant's burgundy formal wear. Impressive style.

Following this was the competition, with the final players boarding a locomotive called - of course - The Deceivers' Railway.

The challenge saw them destroying images of former contestants. Have sympathy for a player who managed to get hit on the head multiple times by the cover of a heavy wooden box.

Soon after, the moment arrived for the elimination discussion.

Two traitors did a pinky promise beforehand, vowing to stick together. "We've come a long way, I won't betray him," stated one, while their partner just giggled.

However, one adhered to their agreement. But, managing to stay under the radar for most of the game, the other still got the most votes.

The remaining traitor appeared to be experiencing a world of pain to be the final deceiver remaining. "Now I'm on my own, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, a rudderless ship."

Online platforms and viewers were similarly upset.

"I hoped against this contestant to be banished. An endearing deceiver," commented an observer.

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

But there was little opportunity to focus on their elimination. Before long, they were at the endgame - this being what we were really all here for.

The last players stood over the ceremonial fire. Meanwhile, the partnership collapsed, just when it mattered the most, in an absolutely shocking development.

A player was eliminated in dramatic fashion - following a surprising decision from their ally, who betrayed them.

"This pains me to be betrayed at the final moment in that manner," remarked the ousted contestant. Later, it was revealed that when they message, the eliminated contestant refers to the other by a betrayer's name.

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

One player, looking incredibly smug, chose to conclude the competition. So did another, and it all came down to the final participant, who made the identical choice - which meant that the traitor emerged victorious.

For observers, the moment where remaining contestants comforted the champion was "compelling television". "I anticipate it will be in the running for memorable moment at television honors," they said.

Happily, the winner soon recovered from his emotional outburst, and could finally appreciate the moment.

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

And he even joked about that infamous murder - his best friend in an early episode - by leaning toward the presenter in the concluding moments and touching her cheek.

"There's something on your face," he said, with his characteristic laugh.

The last few weeks of famous people scheming, plotting and the occasional surprising incidents may feel like one big crazy jumbled dream. But it really did occur. It will be remembered fondly.