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

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

Over the course of the show, viewers witnessed murders, betrayals, serious side-eye, and an unforgettable incident that cut through the overwhelming tension.

Yet on the final evening, the final winner of the inaugural celebrity edition was revealed.

Out of nineteen participants, just a handful were left standing: Traitors and loyal players competing for the prize.

Soon, the field narrowed to only three contenders: the final players.

Ultimately, funny man Alan Carr was crowned the winner, in a shocking result that broke the internet and left him emotional.

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

"You played amazingly," they comforted him. "Everything's fine."

Online platforms quickly erupted with this development. "The worst deceiver being the most effective player," commented one user.

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

His chosen charity, Neuroblastoma UK, 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.

However, his victory still shocked viewers surprised, as noted by industry observers.

"The idea of Alan, among everyone, pulling off a masterclass in deceit felt just as probable as him keeping composure through one of his own punchlines."

During follow-up conversations, fellow players summed up the reasons nobody had truly doubted him.

"He might have come down to breakfast in a green cloak and I still wouldn't have thought he was a traitor. His humor distracted me," a player said.

"The majority didn't target him because how does one vote for a person so charming?" asked another celebrity.

Carr said he had "absolutely loved" his time on the show.

"I want to do it again... I doubt it would work a second time!"

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

Viewers heard some very uplifting, and very un-Traitors-esque music, as the episode revisited key scenes from every remaining player's experience in the game.

As ever, 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 close allies under the bus, I've eliminated beloved figures openly. I'm clearly a better liar and player than I believed."

Meanwhile, a different player noted that reaching the conclusion was "way more stressful than playing for England", while someone else said he was "completely amazed" to have lasted this long.

In the beginning of the finale, various contestants appeared to be attempting to become the fashion standout of the castle, replacing an earlier departed style leader.

The winner appeared at breakfast resembling a vintage television personality in patterned burgundy attire, before changing 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 getting on board a train named - naturally - The Deceivers' Railway.

This task saw them destroying images of eliminated players. Spare a thought for a player who managed to get hit in the head multiple times by the cover of a substantial container.

Before long, the moment arrived for the elimination discussion.

The deceivers made a pact in advance, pledging to stick together. "We've come a long way, I won't betray him," said a player, while their partner simply laughed.

And one did stick to their agreement. Yet, having slipped under the radar for the majority of the competition, their partner still got the most votes.

The remaining traitor looked like he was in a world of pain to be the final deceiver remaining. "Being alone, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm unpredictable, a rudderless ship."

Social media and onlookers were equally disappointed.

"I did NOT want that player to be banished. An endearing deceiver," commented an observer.

"Your legacy will remain in Traitors history," posted a different viewer.

But there was little opportunity to focus on their elimination. Before long, they were at the endgame - which was the moment everyone anticipated.

The final four gathered around the fire pit. And the alliance collapsed, just when it mattered the most, in an absolutely shocking development.

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

"This pains me to be stabbed in the back last minute in that manner," remarked the eliminated player. Later, it was revealed that when they message, the betrayed player calls the other as a traitor.

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

A contestant, appearing quite pleased, chose to conclude the competition. So did a different player, and everything depended on the final participant, who did the same - resulting in the deceiver was the winner.

For observers, the scene where remaining contestants consoled the winner was "beautiful TV". "I anticipate it could be in the running for outstanding scene at next year's awards," they said.

Fortunately, the champion quickly regained composure from his bout of tears, and could finally appreciate his victory.

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

And he even made light of that infamous murder - his close ally during the initial stages - by reaching over the host in the concluding moments and making contact.

"There's something on your face," he said, with his trademark giggle.

The last few weeks of celebrity gossiping, scheming and the occasional unexpected moments may feel like a bizarre fantasy. Yet it actually occur. And we will miss it.