After multiple episodes of suspense, plots and sabotage, Celebrity Traitors concludes with a thrilling end

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

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

Yet on Thursday night, the ultimate victor of the inaugural celebrity edition was revealed.

From 19 contestants, just a handful were left standing: Traitors and faithfuls facing off for the prize.

Soon, the competition tightened to just three: the remaining contestants.

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

"It's been tearing me apart, I'm so sorry," he declared, revealing to the remaining faithfuls that he'd always been a traitor. "I feel terrible about this."

"You did brilliantly," they consoled him. "Everything's fine."

Social media immediately exploded with this development. "Most awful traitor ever being the best traitor ever," commented a viewer.

"It couldn't have been a more iconic ending," wrote another, while a third described it as "the television highlight of the year."

His chosen charity, a cancer charity, will receive all the prize money, with the final pot reaching eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

The comedian's evolution from giggle liability to strategic player was one of the standout highlights of the season.

However, his victory still left the nation in shock, as noted by industry observers.

"The thought of him, of all people, pulling off a masterclass in deceit felt just as probable as him maintaining composure through his comedy routines."

On subsequent discussions, the other contestants explained why no one had ever really suspected 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," a player said.

"The majority didn't vote for him because how can you eliminate someone who is so loveable?" asked another celebrity.

The winner stated he had "absolutely loved" his experience with the program.

"I want to do it again... I doubt it would be successful again!"

Thursday evening's episode was lengthened to 70 minutes on television. It had an unusual opening than typical episodes, as every celebrity knew who'd make it at the breakfast table.

There was some very uplifting, and very un-Traitors-esque soundtrack, as we recapped key scenes from each of the finalists' experience in the game.

True to form, the comedian gave us some of the most memorable lines.

"To be honest, I started this game as something of a nervous wreck. I've thrown some really good friends under the bus, I've eliminated national treasures openly. Apparently I'm 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 playing for England", while another said he was "completely amazed" to have made it so far.

In the beginning of the finale, various contestants appeared to be making a bid to become the new style icon of the castle, replacing an earlier departed style leader.

The winner appeared at breakfast looking like a vintage television personality in a checked maroon suit, before changing into an embellished light-colored outfit.

But he was outstyled by a fellow player's maroon velvet tuxedo. What a look.

Next up was the competition, with the remaining contestants getting on board a locomotive called - naturally - The Traitors Express.

This task involved destroying portraits of former contestants. Spare a thought for one participant who managed to get hit on the head multiple times by the lid of a heavy wooden box.

Soon after, the moment arrived for the elimination discussion.

The deceivers did a pinky promise in advance, vowing to stick together. "We've progressed significantly, I'm not going to throw him under a bus," stated a player, while their partner 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 last deceiver looked like to be experiencing a world of pain to be the last traitor standing. "Being alone, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm unpredictable, without direction."

Online platforms and viewers were equally disappointed.

"I hoped against this contestant to be eliminated. An endearing deceiver," said a commentator.

"You will forever be remembered in the show's legacy," posted another user.

But there was no time to dwell on their elimination. Before long, the game reached the final stage - this being what we were really all here for.

The final four 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 - following a surprising decision from their ally, who betrayed them.

"It hurts to be betrayed last minute like that," remarked the eliminated player. Subsequently, it was revealed that if they ever communicate, the eliminated contestant calls the other by a betrayer's name.

Finally, just three players remained in the game: the final trio.

A contestant, looking incredibly smug, chose to conclude the game. So did another, and it all came down to the final participant, who did the same - which meant that the deceiver was the winner.

For observers, the scene where remaining contestants consoled the champion was "compelling television". "I anticipate it could be in the running for outstanding scene at television honors," they commented.

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

"What a rollercoaster. I was awful at lying, my expressions gave me away and here I am the champion," he said.

He also joked about the memorable elimination - his best friend in an early episode - by leaning toward the presenter in the final scene and touching her cheek.

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

The last few weeks of famous people scheming, plotting and sometimes unexpected moments may seem like one big crazy jumbled dream. But it really did occur. And we will miss it.