Following multiple episodes of suspense, schemes and sabotage, The Celebrity Traitors concludes with a nail-biting finale

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

Throughout the season, viewers witnessed eliminations, double-crosses, serious side-eye, and a memorable moment that cut through all suspense.

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

Out of nineteen participants, only five remained: Deceivers and faithfuls facing off for the winnings.

Before long, the competition tightened to only three contenders: the remaining contestants.

In the end, funny man Alan Carr emerged as the winner, in a shocking outcome that went viral and made him tearful.

"It's been tearing me apart, 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."

Social media immediately exploded with the news. "The worst deceiver being the best traitor ever," commented one user.

"There could not have been a better conclusion," wrote a different person, while someone else called it "the television highlight of the year."

His chosen charity, Neuroblastoma UK, gets to keep the entire winnings, with the total amount reaching eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

The comedian's evolution from giggle liability to cold-hearted killer was among the most memorable aspects of the series.

But his win still shocked viewers surprised, as noted by industry observers.

"The thought of him, of all people, executing a masterclass in deceit felt just as probable as him maintaining a straight face through one of his own punchlines."

During follow-up conversations, the other contestants summed up the reasons nobody had truly doubted him.

"He might 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," a player said.

"The majority didn't target him because how does one vote for a person 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 doubt it would be successful again!"

Thursday evening's episode was lengthened to over an hour on the network. It had a different start than typical episodes, as all the celebs knew who'd make it at the breakfast table.

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

As ever, the comedian gave us unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I began the competition a bit of a nervous wreck. I've thrown some really good friends to save myself, I've eliminated national treasures openly. Apparently I'm more deceptive and player than I believed."

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

Early on in the episode, several players seemed to be attempting to become the fashion standout of the competition, replacing the previously eliminated style leader.

The winner appeared at breakfast looking like a vintage television personality in a checked maroon suit, before changing into a bejewelled white suit.

However, he got out-jacketted by another contestant's maroon velvet tuxedo. What a look.

Next up was the challenge, with the final players getting on board a locomotive called - of course - The Deceivers' Railway.

This task involved destroying portraits of eliminated players. Have sympathy for one participant who was hit in the head multiple times by the lid of a substantial container.

Soon after, it was time for the roundtable.

The deceivers made a pact in advance, pledging to stick together. "We've come a long way, I'm not going to betray him," said a player, while the other just giggled.

And one did stick to their agreement. Yet, managing to stay unnoticed for most of the game, the other still received the majority elimination votes.

The remaining traitor appeared to be experiencing a world of pain to be the last traitor standing. "Now I'm on my own, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, without direction."

Social media and viewers were similarly upset.

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

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

But there was no time to dwell on this departure. Soon, they were at the endgame - this being what we were really all here for.

The last players stood over the fire pit. And the alliance collapsed, just when it mattered the most, in an absolutely shocking development.

One contestant was eliminated in dramatic fashion - after a shock vote from their partner, who turned against them.

"It hurts to be stabbed in the back at the final moment in that manner," remarked the eliminated player. Subsequently, it was revealed that when they message, the betrayed player refers to the other by a betrayer's name.

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

One player, looking incredibly smug, voted to end the game. The same decision was made by a different player, and everything depended on the third, who made the identical choice - resulting in the traitor emerged victorious.

For observers, the moment where the other players consoled the winner was "beautiful TV". "I predict it could be a contender for outstanding scene at next year's awards," they said.

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

"What a rollercoaster. I thought I was terrible at deception, my expressions gave me away and here I am the champion," the winner said.

And he even joked about the memorable elimination - his close ally in an early episode - by reaching over the host 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, scheming and the occasional unexpected moments may feel like one big crazy jumbled dream. But it really did all happen. It will be remembered fondly.