After multiple episodes of suspense, plots and sabotage, The Celebrity Traitors concludes with a nail-biting end

Spoiler alert - This article discloses key moments from Celebrity Traitors conclusion

Over the course of the show, audiences saw murders, betrayals, intense glares, and an unforgettable incident that cut through all tension.

Yet on Thursday night, the final winner of the first celebrity edition emerged triumphant.

From nineteen participants, only five were left standing: Traitors and faithfuls competing for the winnings.

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

In the end, comedian Alan Carr emerged as the winner, in a surprising outcome that broke the internet and made him tearful.

"This has been destroying me, my apologies," he exclaimed, admitting to the other players that he'd always been one of the deceivers. "I'm an awful human being."

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

Online platforms immediately exploded with the news. "Most awful traitor ever being the most effective player," commented one user.

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

The organization he selected, a cancer charity, will receive the entire winnings, with the final pot amounting to eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

The comedian's evolution from comic relief 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, pulling off an expert performance in deception felt about as likely as him keeping a straight face through his comedy routines."

On subsequent discussions, fellow players explained why no one had ever really suspected him.

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

"Most people didn't target him because how can you vote for someone who is so loveable?" questioned a different contestant.

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

"I'd like to participate once more... I doubt it would work a second time!"

The final installment was lengthened to 70 minutes on television. There was a different start than usual, as every celebrity knew who would appear at the breakfast table.

There was some very uplifting, and atypical for the show music, as we recapped key scenes from every remaining player's time in the castle.

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

"Let's face it, I began this game a bit 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 player than I thought."

Meanwhile, another contestant noted that being in the final was "way more stressful than playing for England", while someone else said he was "totally surprised" to have made it so far.

In the beginning of the finale, several players appeared to be making a bid to become the fashion standout of the competition, taking over from the previously eliminated style leader.

Carr emerged at breakfast looking like a 1950s US chat show host in patterned burgundy attire, later switching into an embellished light-colored outfit.

However, he got outstyled by another contestant's maroon velvet tuxedo. Impressive style.

Next up was the competition, with the remaining contestants boarding a train named - naturally - The Traitors Express.

The challenge saw them ripping up portraits of former contestants. Have sympathy for one participant who managed to get hit on the head multiple times by the lid of a heavy wooden box.

Before long, it was time for the roundtable.

Two traitors made a pact beforehand, vowing to support each other. "We've come a long way, I'm not going to throw him under a bus," said one, while their partner just giggled.

And 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 remaining traitor appeared to be experiencing significant distress to be the final deceiver remaining. "Now I'm on my own, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, without direction."

Social media and viewers were equally disappointed.

"I hoped against this contestant to be eliminated. A truly loveable traitor," commented a commentator.

"You will forever be remembered in Traitors history," posted a different viewer.

However, there remained little opportunity to dwell on this departure. Soon, they were at the endgame - this being the moment everyone anticipated.

The final four gathered around the fire pit. And the alliance broke down, just when it was most crucial, in an absolutely shocking development.

A player was eliminated in dramatic fashion - following a surprising decision from their ally, who betrayed them.

"It hurts to be betrayed at the final moment in that manner," said the eliminated player. Subsequently, we learned that if they ever communicate, the eliminated contestant refers to the other as a traitor.

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

A contestant, appearing quite pleased, voted to end the game. So did another, and everything depended on the final participant, who made the identical choice - resulting in the deceiver was the winner.

According to commentators, the moment where remaining contestants consoled the champion was "compelling television". "I anticipate it will be a contender for memorable moment at television honors," they said.

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

"What a rollercoaster. I was awful at lying, I had no poker face and here I am the champion," he said.

And he even joked about that infamous murder - his best friend during the initial stages - by reaching over the presenter in the final scene and making contact.

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

The last few weeks of celebrity gossiping, scheming and the occasional surprising incidents may feel like a bizarre fantasy. But it really did occur. It will be remembered fondly.