Following weeks of suspense, schemes and backstabbing, The Celebrity Traitors concludes with a nail-biting finale

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

Throughout the season, audiences saw eliminations, double-crosses, serious side-eye, and an unforgettable incident that cut through the overwhelming suspense.

However on Thursday night, the final winner of the inaugural Celebrity Traitors emerged triumphant.

From 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 remaining contestants.

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

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

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

Social media quickly erupted with the news. "Most awful traitor ever being the most effective player," commented a viewer.

"There could not have been a better conclusion," stated 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 amounting to 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 an expert performance in deception felt about as likely as him keeping a straight face through one of his own punchlines."

During follow-up conversations, the other contestants explained the reasons nobody had ever really suspected him.

"He might have come down to breakfast in a green cloak and I wouldn't have believed he was deceiving us. I was too busy laughing," a player said.

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

The winner stated he had "thoroughly enjoyed" his experience with the program.

"I want to participate once more... I doubt it would be successful again!"

Thursday evening's installment was extended to over an hour on the network. There was an unusual opening than usual, as every celebrity were aware who'd make it at the morning gathering.

There was some very uplifting, and atypical for the show music, 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 began the competition as something of an anxious mess. I've betrayed some really good friends to save myself, I've murdered national treasures in plain sight. Apparently I'm more deceptive and player than I believed."

Meanwhile, another contestant noted that being in the final was "significantly more pressure than competing with England", while someone else said he was "completely amazed" to have lasted this long.

Early on in the episode, various contestants appeared to be attempting to become the fashion standout of the competition, replacing the previously eliminated style leader.

The winner appeared at the morning meal looking like a 1950s US chat show host in patterned burgundy attire, later switching into a bejewelled white suit.

However, he got outstyled by another contestant's burgundy formal wear. What a look.

Next up was the competition, with the final players getting on board a train named - of course - The Deceivers' Railway.

The challenge involved ripping up portraits of eliminated players. Spare a thought for one participant who managed to get hit in the head multiple times by the cover of a substantial container.

Before long, it was time for the roundtable.

Two traitors did a pinky promise beforehand, vowing to support each other. "We've come a long way, I won't betray him," stated one, while the other just giggled.

However, one did stick to his promise. Yet, managing to stay under the radar for the majority of the competition, their partner still got the most votes.

The last deceiver appeared to be experiencing significant distress to be the last traitor standing. "Now I'm on my own, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm unpredictable, a rudderless ship."

Online platforms and onlookers were equally disappointed.

"I hoped against this contestant to be banished. A truly loveable traitor," said an observer.

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

However, there remained no time to dwell on their elimination. Before long, they were at the final stage - this being the moment everyone anticipated.

The last players stood over the ceremonial fire. Meanwhile, the partnership collapsed, precisely when it mattered the most, in a truly WTF moment.

A player was eliminated in dramatic fashion - after a shock vote from their ally, who betrayed them.

"It hurts to be betrayed at the final moment like that," said the ousted contestant. Later, we learned that when they message, the eliminated contestant refers to the other as a traitor.

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

A contestant, appearing quite pleased, chose to conclude the game. The same decision was made by a different player, and it all came down to the third, who made the identical choice - which meant that the deceiver emerged victorious.

For observers, the moment where the other players comforted the winner was "compelling television". "I predict it could be a contender for memorable moment at next year's awards," they said.

Fortunately, the champion quickly regained composure from his emotional outburst, and could finally appreciate the moment.

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

He also joked about that infamous murder - his close ally during the initial stages - by leaning toward the host in the final scene and touching her cheek.

"You've got something on your face," he said, with his characteristic laugh.

The recent episodes of famous people scheming, scheming and the occasional unexpected moments may seem like a bizarre fantasy. Yet it actually all happen. And we will miss it.