Following multiple episodes of suspense, plots and backstabbing, Celebrity Traitors concludes with a nail-biting end

Spoiler alert - This article reveals key moments from The Celebrity Traitors finale

Throughout the season, audiences saw eliminations, betrayals, serious side-eye, and a memorable moment that pierced the overwhelming suspense.

Yet on the final evening, the ultimate victor of the inaugural celebrity edition emerged triumphant.

From nineteen participants, just a handful were left standing: Deceivers and loyal players competing for the prize.

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

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

"This has been destroying me, I'm so sorry," he declared, admitting to the remaining faithfuls that he'd always been a traitor. "I feel terrible about this."

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

Online platforms quickly erupted with the news. "Most awful traitor ever being the most effective player," wrote a viewer.

"There could not have been a more iconic ending," stated another, while a third described it as "the television highlight of the year."

His chosen charity, Neuroblastoma UK, will receive all the prize money, with the total amount amounting to eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

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

However, his victory still left the nation in shock, as noted by entertainment reporters.

"The idea of Alan, among everyone, executing a masterclass in deceit felt about as likely as him maintaining composure through his comedy routines."

On subsequent discussions, fellow players summed up the reasons nobody had truly doubted him.

"Alan could have appeared to breakfast in traitor attire and I wouldn't have believed he was a traitor. I was too busy laughing," a player said.

"Most people didn't target him because how does one eliminate a person so charming?" questioned a different contestant.

The winner stated he had "thoroughly enjoyed" his time on the show.

"I'd like to do it again... I don't think it would work again!"

Thursday evening's episode was extended to 70 minutes on television. There was a different start than usual, as all the celebs were aware who'd make it at the breakfast table.

Viewers heard particularly inspiring, and very un-Traitors-esque soundtrack, as we recapped some moments from each of the finalists' experience in the game.

As ever, Alan Carr gave us unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I began the competition a bit of a nervous wreck. I've betrayed some really good friends under the bus, I've murdered beloved figures openly. Apparently I'm more deceptive and player than I believed."

At the same time, another contestant commented that reaching the conclusion was "way more stressful than competing with a national team", while another said he was "completely amazed" to have made it so far.

Early on of the finale, several players seemed to be attempting to become the fashion standout of the castle, taking over from an earlier departed fashionable contestant.

Carr emerged at the morning meal looking like a vintage television personality in a checked maroon suit, later switching into an embellished light-colored outfit.

But he was outstyled by another contestant's maroon velvet tuxedo. Impressive style.

Following this was the challenge, with the final players getting on board a train named - naturally - The Deceivers' Railway.

This task involved destroying 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.

Soon after, it was time for the roundtable.

Two traitors made a pact in advance, pledging to support each other. "We've progressed significantly, I'm not going to betray him," stated a player, while their partner just giggled.

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

The remaining traitor appeared to be experiencing a world of pain to be the final deceiver remaining. "Being alone, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm unpredictable, without direction."

Social media and viewers were equally disappointed.

"I did NOT want this contestant to be banished. An endearing deceiver," said an observer.

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

But there was no time to focus on their elimination. Soon, the game reached the final stage - which was the moment everyone anticipated.

The last players gathered around the ceremonial fire. And the alliance broke down, precisely when it mattered the most, in a truly WTF moment.

One contestant was painfully banished - following a surprising decision from their partner, who turned against them.

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

Ultimately, only three contestants were still competing: the final trio.

A contestant, appearing quite pleased, voted to end the competition. So did a different player, and everything depended on the final participant, who made the identical choice - which meant that the deceiver emerged victorious.

According to commentators, the scene where remaining contestants comforted the champion was "beautiful TV". "I anticipate it could be a contender for memorable moment at television honors," they commented.

Happily, the winner soon recovered from his emotional outburst, and was able to enjoy the moment.

"Such an emotional journey. I thought I was terrible at deception, I had no poker face and here I am a winner," he said.

He also made light of the memorable elimination - his close ally in an early episode - by reaching over the presenter in the final scene and touching her cheek.

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

The recent episodes of celebrity gossiping, scheming and sometimes surprising incidents may feel like one big crazy jumbled dream. But it really did all happen. And we will miss it.