Following multiple episodes of suspense, schemes and sabotage, Celebrity Traitors concludes with a thrilling end

Warning: spoilers ahead - This article reveals details from The Celebrity Traitors finale

Over the course of the show, audiences saw eliminations, double-crosses, serious side-eye, and an unforgettable incident that pierced all tension.

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

From nineteen participants, just a handful were left standing: Deceivers and loyal players facing off for the winnings.

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

Ultimately, funny man Alan Carr emerged as the winner, in a shocking result that went viral and left him emotional.

"It's been tearing me apart, my apologies," he exclaimed, revealing to the other players that he was actually one of the deceivers. "I'm an awful human being."

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

Social media quickly erupted with the news. "Most awful traitor ever being the most effective player," wrote one user.

"There could not have been a more iconic ending," stated a different person, while someone else called it "the TV moment of the year."

The organization he selected, a cancer charity, gets to keep all the prize money, with the total amount reaching £87,500.

The comedian's evolution from giggle liability to cold-hearted killer was one of the standout highlights of the series.

But his win still shocked viewers surprised, as noted by entertainment reporters.

"The thought of him, of all people, executing an expert performance in deceit felt about as likely as him maintaining composure through his comedy routines."

During follow-up conversations, the other contestants explained why no one had truly doubted him.

"Alan could have appeared to breakfast in a green cloak and I wouldn't have believed he was deceiving us. I was too busy laughing," one participant said.

"The majority didn't target him because how does one eliminate a person so charming?" asked a different contestant.

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

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

Thursday evening's installment was extended to over an hour on the network. It had a different start than usual, as every celebrity knew who would appear at the breakfast table.

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

True to form, the comedian provided unforgettable quotes.

"Let's face it, I started the competition as something of an anxious mess. I've betrayed some really good friends under the bus, I've eliminated national treasures openly. I'm clearly a better liar and traitor than I believed."

At the same time, a different player noted that being in the final was "significantly more pressure than competing with a national team", while someone else said he was "completely amazed" to have made it so far.

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

The winner appeared at the morning meal looking like a 1950s US chat show host in patterned burgundy attire, later switching into an embellished light-colored outfit.

But he was out-jacketted by a fellow player's maroon velvet tuxedo. What a look.

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

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

Before long, the moment arrived for the elimination discussion.

Two traitors made a pact beforehand, pledging to support each other. "We've come a long way, I won't throw him under a bus," said a player, while their partner simply laughed.

And one adhered to his promise. But, managing to stay under the radar 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 feel terrified," he said. "I'm unpredictable, a rudderless ship."

Social media and onlookers were equally disappointed.

"I hoped against that player to be eliminated. An endearing deceiver," commented an observer.

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

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

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

A player was painfully banished - after a shock vote from their ally, who turned against them.

"This pains me to be betrayed last minute in that manner," said the ousted contestant. Later, it was revealed that if they ever communicate, the betrayed player refers to their former ally by a betrayer's name.

Ultimately, just three players were still competing: the last participants.

A contestant, looking incredibly smug, voted to end the competition. 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 was the winner.

According to commentators, the scene where the other players comforted the winner was "beautiful TV". "I predict it could be in the running for memorable moment at next year's awards," they commented.

Happily, the champion soon recovered from his emotional outburst, 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 the champion," the winner said.

He also made light of the memorable elimination - his best friend during the initial stages - by reaching over the presenter in the concluding moments and touching her cheek.

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

The recent episodes of famous people scheming, scheming and the occasional unexpected moments may feel like one big crazy jumbled dream. Yet it actually all happen. It will be remembered fondly.