Following multiple episodes of tension, plots and sabotage, Celebrity Traitors concludes with a nail-biting finale

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

Throughout the season, viewers witnessed eliminations, double-crosses, serious side-eye, and a memorable moment that cut through the overwhelming suspense.

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

Out of 19 contestants, only five were left standing: Traitors and loyal players competing for the prize.

Soon, the field narrowed to just three: the final players.

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

"This has been destroying me, my apologies," he exclaimed, revealing to the remaining faithfuls that he was actually a traitor. "I'm an awful human being."

"You played amazingly," they comforted him. "It's all right."

Online platforms quickly erupted with this development. "Most awful traitor ever being the most effective player," commented a viewer.

"It couldn't have been a more iconic ending," wrote another, while someone else called it "the television highlight of the year."

The organization he selected, 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 giggle liability to cold-hearted killer was among the most memorable aspects of the series.

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

"The idea of Alan, among everyone, executing a masterclass in deceit felt about as likely as him maintaining a straight face through one of his own punchlines."

On subsequent discussions, fellow players explained the reasons nobody had ever really suspected him.

"Alan could have come down to the morning meal in a green cloak and I wouldn't have believed he was a traitor. His humor distracted me," a player said.

"The majority didn't vote for him because how does one eliminate someone who is so charming?" questioned a different contestant.

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

"I want to participate once more... I don't think it would be successful again!"

The final episode was lengthened to over an hour on the network. It had a different start than usual, as every celebrity knew who'd make it at the morning gathering.

Viewers heard particularly inspiring, and atypical for the show soundtrack, as we recapped some moments from every remaining player's experience in the game.

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

"Let's face it, I began this game as something of a nervous wreck. I've betrayed some really good friends under the bus, I've eliminated beloved figures openly. Apparently I'm more deceptive and player than I believed."

Meanwhile, another contestant noted that reaching the conclusion was "way more stressful than playing for a national team", while another said he was "totally surprised" to have made it so far.

In the beginning in the episode, several players appeared to be making a bid to become the new style icon of the competition, replacing an earlier departed fashionable contestant.

Carr emerged at the morning meal resembling a vintage television personality in patterned burgundy attire, later switching into a bejewelled white suit.

But he was out-jacketted by another contestant's burgundy formal wear. Impressive style.

Next up was the challenge, with the final players getting on board a locomotive called - of course - The Deceivers' Railway.

The challenge saw them ripping up portraits of eliminated players. Have sympathy for one participant who was hit on the head THREE times by the lid of a heavy wooden box.

Soon after, it was time for the roundtable.

Two traitors did a pinky promise beforehand, pledging to stick together. "We've come a long way, I'm not going to throw him under a bus," stated a player, while the other simply laughed.

And one did stick to his promise. But, managing to stay under the radar for most of the game, their partner still received the majority elimination votes.

The remaining traitor looked like he was in a world of pain to be the last traitor standing. "Being alone, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm unpredictable, without direction."

Social media and viewers were similarly upset.

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

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

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

The final four gathered around the ceremonial fire. Meanwhile, the partnership collapsed, precisely 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.

"It hurts to be stabbed in the back last minute like that," said the ousted contestant. Later, it was revealed that when they message, the betrayed player calls the other by a betrayer's name.

Finally, only three contestants remained in the game: the final trio.

A contestant, appearing quite pleased, voted to end the game. So did another, and it all came down to the third, who did the same - which meant that the deceiver emerged victorious.

For observers, the moment where remaining contestants comforted the winner was "compelling television". "I predict it could be in the running for outstanding scene at next year's awards," they commented.

Fortunately, the winner quickly regained composure from his emotional outburst, and was able to enjoy his victory.

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

He also joked about that infamous murder - his best friend during the initial stages - by leaning toward the host in the final scene and making contact.

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

The last few weeks of celebrity gossiping, plotting and the occasional unexpected moments may seem like a bizarre fantasy. Yet it actually occur. It will be remembered fondly.