Following multiple episodes of tension, plots and backstabbing, Celebrity Traitors has reached a thrilling end

Spoiler alert - This article reveals details from The Celebrity Traitors conclusion

Over the course of the show, audiences saw eliminations, betrayals, serious side-eye, and a memorable moment that pierced all suspense.

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

From 19 contestants, just a handful remained: Traitors and loyal players facing off for the winnings.

Before long, the field narrowed to just three: the final players.

Ultimately, comedian Alan Carr emerged as the champion, in a surprising result that went viral and made him tearful.

"This has been destroying me, I'm so sorry," he declared, revealing to the other players that he'd always been one of the deceivers. "I'm an awful human being."

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

Online platforms immediately exploded with the news. "The worst deceiver being the best traitor ever," wrote one user.

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

The organization he selected, Neuroblastoma UK, gets to keep all the prize money, with the final pot amounting to £87,500.

Alan Carr's transformation from comic relief to cold-hearted killer was among the most memorable aspects of the series.

However, his victory still shocked viewers surprised, as noted by entertainment reporters.

"The thought of him, among everyone, pulling off an expert performance in deceit felt about as likely as him maintaining a straight face through one of his own punchlines."

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

"Alan could have come down to the morning meal 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 target him because how does one eliminate a person so loveable?" questioned another celebrity.

Carr said he had "thoroughly enjoyed" his time on the show.

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

Thursday evening's installment was lengthened to over an hour on the network. There was a different start than usual, as all the celebs knew who'd make it at the breakfast table.

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

True to form, Alan Carr gave us unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I began the competition a bit of an anxious mess. I've thrown close allies to save myself, I've eliminated national treasures in plain sight. I'm clearly more deceptive and player than I believed."

At the same time, a different player noted that reaching the conclusion was "way more stressful than competing with a national team", while someone else said he was "completely amazed" to have lasted this long.

Early on of the finale, several players appeared to be attempting 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, later switching into an embellished light-colored outfit.

But he was outstyled by a fellow player's burgundy formal wear. Impressive style.

Following this was the challenge, with the remaining contestants getting on board a locomotive called - of course - The Traitors Express.

The challenge involved destroying portraits of eliminated players. Have sympathy for one participant who was hit on the head multiple times by the cover of a heavy wooden box.

Before long, the moment arrived for the elimination discussion.

The deceivers made a pact beforehand, vowing to stick together. "We've come a long way, I won't betray him," said a player, while the other simply laughed.

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

The last deceiver looked like 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 onlookers were equally disappointed.

"I did NOT want this contestant to be eliminated. A truly loveable traitor," commented an observer.

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

But there was little opportunity to focus on their elimination. Soon, they were at the final stage - this being the moment everyone anticipated.

The last players gathered around the ceremonial fire. Meanwhile, the partnership broke down, precisely when it mattered the most, in a truly WTF moment.

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

"It hurts to be betrayed at the final moment in that manner," remarked the eliminated player. Later, we learned that when they message, the betrayed player calls the other as a traitor.

Finally, only three contestants remained in the game: the final trio.

A contestant, appearing quite pleased, voted to end the game. The same decision was made by another, and everything depended on the third, who made the identical choice - resulting in the traitor emerged victorious.

According to commentators, the scene where the other players consoled the champion was "beautiful TV". "I anticipate it could be a contender for memorable moment at television honors," they commented.

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

"Such an emotional journey. I was awful at lying, my expressions gave me away and now I stand the champion," the winner said.

And he even joked about the memorable elimination - his close ally in an early episode - by leaning toward the presenter in the final scene and making contact.

"You've got something on your face," he said, with his trademark giggle.

The last few weeks of celebrity gossiping, scheming and the occasional unexpected moments may feel like one big crazy jumbled dream. Yet it actually occur. And we will miss it.