Following multiple episodes of suspense, plots and sabotage, Celebrity Traitors has reached a thrilling finale

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

Over the course of the show, viewers witnessed murders, betrayals, serious side-eye, and an unforgettable incident that pierced all suspense.

Yet on the final evening, the final winner of the first celebrity edition was revealed.

Out of 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.

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

"It's been tearing me apart, I'm so sorry," he exclaimed, admitting to the other players that he was actually one of the deceivers. "I feel terrible about this."

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

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

"It couldn't have been a better conclusion," wrote another, while someone else described it as "the television highlight of the year."

His chosen charity, Neuroblastoma UK, will receive the entire winnings, with the final pot reaching £87,500.

Alan Carr's transformation from comic relief to strategic player was among the most memorable aspects of the series.

However, his victory still shocked viewers in shock, according to industry observers.

"The idea of Alan, of all people, pulling off a masterclass in deceit felt about as likely as him keeping composure through one of his own punchlines."

On subsequent discussions, fellow players summed up the reasons nobody had ever really suspected him.

"He might have appeared to the morning meal in a green cloak and I wouldn't have believed he was a traitor. I was too busy laughing," one participant said.

"Most people didn't vote for him because how can you eliminate a person so loveable?" asked another celebrity.

Carr said he had "absolutely loved" his experience with the show.

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

Thursday evening's episode was extended 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 particularly inspiring, and very un-Traitors-esque music, as the episode revisited some moments from each of the finalists' time in the castle.

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

"Let's face it, I started the competition a bit of a nervous wreck. I've betrayed close allies to save myself, I've eliminated national treasures in plain sight. I'm clearly a better liar and traitor than I believed."

Meanwhile, a different player commented that reaching the conclusion was "significantly more pressure than playing for England", while another said he was "totally surprised" to have lasted this long.

In the beginning in the episode, various contestants seemed to be making a bid to become the fashion standout of the castle, taking over from an earlier departed style leader.

Carr emerged at breakfast looking like a vintage television personality in patterned burgundy attire, later switching into a bejewelled white suit.

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

Following this was the challenge, with the final players getting on board a train named - naturally - The Traitors Express.

This task involved destroying images of eliminated players. Spare a thought for a player who was hit in the head THREE times by the cover of a substantial container.

Before long, the moment arrived for the roundtable.

The deceivers did a pinky promise beforehand, vowing to stick together. "We've progressed significantly, I won't throw him under a bus," stated a player, while their partner just giggled.

However, one adhered to his promise. Yet, managing to stay under the radar for the majority of the competition, the other still received the majority elimination votes.

The last deceiver appeared to be experiencing significant distress to be the final deceiver remaining. "Being alone, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm unpredictable, without direction."

Social media and onlookers were equally disappointed.

"I did NOT want this contestant to be banished. An endearing deceiver," said a commentator.

"You will forever be remembered in Traitors history," wrote another user.

But there was no time to focus on their elimination. Soon, they were at the final stage - 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 a truly WTF moment.

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

"It hurts to be betrayed last minute like that," remarked the eliminated player. Later, it was revealed that when they message, the betrayed player refers to the other by a betrayer's name.

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

A contestant, appearing quite pleased, voted to end the competition. The same decision was made by another, and everything depended on the third, who did the same - which meant that the traitor was the winner.

According to commentators, the scene where remaining contestants comforted the champion was "beautiful TV". "I anticipate it could be a contender for outstanding scene at next year's awards," they said.

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

"Such an emotional journey. I was awful at lying, my expressions gave me away and here I am a winner," he said.

And he even joked about the memorable elimination - his best friend during the initial stages - by reaching over the presenter in the final scene and making contact.

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

The last few weeks of celebrity gossiping, scheming and sometimes unexpected moments may feel like one big crazy jumbled dream. Yet it actually all happen. It will be remembered fondly.