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

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

Throughout the season, audiences saw murders, double-crosses, serious side-eye, and a memorable moment that cut through all suspense.

Yet on Thursday night, the final winner of the first Celebrity Traitors emerged triumphant.

From nineteen participants, just a handful were left standing: Traitors and faithfuls facing off for the winnings.

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

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

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

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

Online platforms quickly erupted with the news. "The worst deceiver being the best traitor ever," wrote one user.

"There could not have been a better conclusion," wrote a different person, while a third called it "the television highlight of the year."

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

The comedian's evolution from comic relief to cold-hearted killer was among the most memorable aspects of the season.

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

"The idea of Alan, of all people, executing an expert performance in deception felt about as likely as him keeping composure through his comedy routines."

On subsequent discussions, the other contestants summed up why no one had truly doubted him.

"Alan could have come down to breakfast in traitor attire and I still wouldn't have thought he was deceiving us. His humor distracted me," one participant said.

"The majority didn't target him because how can you vote for someone who is so charming?" questioned a different contestant.

Carr said he had "thoroughly enjoyed" his time on the show.

"I'd like to do it again... I doubt it would be successful a second time!"

The final installment was extended to over an hour on the network. There was an unusual opening than usual, as all the celebs were aware who would appear at the breakfast table.

There was particularly inspiring, and very un-Traitors-esque music, as the episode revisited key scenes from every remaining player's time in the castle.

As ever, the comedian provided unforgettable quotes.

"Let's face it, I started the competition a bit of an anxious mess. I've thrown some really good friends under the bus, I've eliminated beloved figures openly. I'm clearly a better liar and traitor than I thought."

At the same time, a different player noted that reaching the conclusion was "significantly more pressure than competing with a national team", while another said he was "completely amazed" to have lasted this long.

Early on in the episode, various contestants seemed 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 resembling a 1950s US chat show host in a checked maroon suit, before changing into an embellished light-colored outfit.

But he was outstyled by a fellow player's burgundy formal wear. Impressive style.

Following this was the competition, with the remaining contestants getting on board a train named - naturally - The Deceivers' Railway.

This task saw them ripping up images of former contestants. Have sympathy for one participant who managed to get hit in the head THREE times by the lid of a substantial container.

Before long, the moment arrived for the elimination discussion.

The deceivers did a pinky promise in advance, vowing to stick together. "We've progressed significantly, I'm not going to throw him under a bus," said one, while their partner simply laughed.

However, one adhered to his promise. But, having slipped unnoticed for most of the game, their partner still received the majority elimination votes.

The last deceiver looked like to be experiencing significant distress to be the last traitor standing. "Now I'm on my own, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm unpredictable, a rudderless ship."

Online platforms and onlookers were equally disappointed.

"I did NOT want this contestant to be banished. An endearing deceiver," commented a commentator.

"You will forever be remembered in the show's legacy," posted a different viewer.

But there was little opportunity to focus on this departure. Soon, the game reached the endgame - which was the moment everyone anticipated.

The last players gathered around the fire pit. And the alliance broke down, precisely when it was most crucial, in an absolutely shocking development.

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

"It hurts to be betrayed at the final moment like that," remarked the ousted contestant. Subsequently, we learned that if they ever communicate, the eliminated contestant refers to their former ally by a betrayer's name.

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

One player, appearing quite pleased, chose to conclude the competition. The same decision was made by another, 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 consoled the champion was "beautiful TV". "I anticipate it will be a contender for outstanding scene at television honors," they said.

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

"What a rollercoaster. I thought I was terrible at deception, my expressions gave me away and now I stand the champion," he said.

And he even joked about that infamous murder - his close ally in an early episode - by leaning toward the presenter in the final scene and making contact.

"There's something on your face," he said, with his characteristic laugh.

The last few weeks of famous people scheming, scheming and sometimes unexpected moments may seem like one big crazy jumbled dream. Yet it actually occur. And we will miss it.