After multiple episodes of tension, plots and backstabbing, The Celebrity Traitors concludes with a thrilling end

Spoiler alert - This piece discloses details from The Celebrity Traitors finale

Over the course of the show, audiences saw eliminations, double-crosses, intense glares, and a memorable moment that pierced all suspense.

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

From 19 contestants, just a handful remained: Traitors and loyal players competing for the prize.

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

Ultimately, funny man Alan Carr was crowned the winner, in a surprising outcome that broke the internet and made him tearful.

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

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

Social media quickly erupted with the news. "The worst deceiver being the most effective player," commented a viewer.

"There could not have been a more iconic ending," stated a different person, 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 amounting to £87,500.

The comedian's evolution from giggle liability to strategic player was among the most memorable aspects of the season.

However, his victory still left the nation surprised, according to entertainment reporters.

"The idea of Alan, of all people, pulling off an expert performance in deceit felt about as likely as him keeping composure through his comedy routines."

During follow-up conversations, fellow players explained why no one had ever really suspected him.

"Alan could have appeared to breakfast in traitor attire and I wouldn't have believed he was a traitor. His humor distracted me," a player said.

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

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

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

Thursday evening's installment was lengthened to 70 minutes on the network. It had a different start than usual, as all the celebs were aware who'd make it at the morning gathering.

There was some very uplifting, and very un-Traitors-esque music, as we recapped some moments from every remaining player's experience in the game.

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

"To be honest, I started the competition a bit of a nervous wreck. I've thrown close allies under the bus, I've murdered national treasures in plain sight. Apparently I'm a better liar and player than I believed."

At the same time, a different player commented that reaching the conclusion was "way more stressful than playing for England", while another said he was "completely amazed" to have lasted this long.

Early on of the finale, several players seemed to be attempting to become the new style icon of the castle, replacing an earlier departed style leader.

Carr emerged at breakfast resembling a 1950s US chat show host in patterned burgundy attire, before changing into a bejewelled white suit.

But he was out-jacketted by another contestant's burgundy formal wear. What a look.

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

The challenge saw them ripping up portraits of former contestants. Spare a thought for a player who managed to get hit on the head multiple times by the cover of a heavy wooden box.

Before long, it was time for the roundtable.

The deceivers did a pinky promise beforehand, vowing to stick together. "We've come a long way, I won't throw him under a bus," stated one, while the other simply laughed.

And one adhered to his promise. But, having slipped under the radar for the majority of the competition, the other still got the most votes.

The last deceiver looked like he was in significant distress to be the final deceiver remaining. "Now I'm on my own, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, without direction."

Social media and viewers were similarly upset.

"I hoped against this contestant 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 dwell on this departure. Before long, the game reached the final stage - this being what we were really all here for.

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

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

"This pains me to be stabbed in the back at the final moment in that manner," remarked the ousted contestant. Later, we learned that if they ever communicate, the eliminated contestant calls the other as a traitor.

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

One player, appearing quite pleased, chose to conclude the competition. The same decision was made by another, and everything depended on the third, who did the same - which meant that the deceiver was the winner.

According to commentators, the scene where the other players consoled the winner was "compelling television". "I anticipate it will be in the running for memorable moment at next year's awards," they said.

Fortunately, the champion soon recovered from his emotional outburst, and could finally appreciate his victory.

"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 made light of the memorable elimination - his close ally in an early episode - by reaching over the presenter in the concluding moments and making contact.

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

The last few weeks of celebrity gossiping, plotting and the occasional unexpected moments may feel like a bizarre fantasy. But it really did occur. It will be remembered fondly.