Following multiple episodes of suspense, plots and sabotage, Celebrity Traitors has reached a thrilling finale

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

Over the course of the show, viewers witnessed eliminations, double-crosses, intense glares, and a memorable moment that pierced all tension.

Yet on Thursday night, the ultimate victor of the inaugural Celebrity Traitors emerged triumphant.

From 19 contestants, only five remained: Deceivers and loyal players competing for the prize.

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

In the end, comedian Alan Carr was crowned the champion, in a surprising outcome that broke the internet and made him tearful.

"It's been tearing me apart, my apologies," he exclaimed, revealing to the remaining faithfuls that he'd always been a traitor. "I feel terrible about this."

"You did brilliantly," they consoled him. "Everything's fine."

Social media immediately exploded with this development. "Most awful traitor ever being the most effective player," commented one user.

"It couldn't have been a better conclusion," stated another, while someone else described it as "the television highlight of the year."

His chosen charity, Neuroblastoma UK, will receive all the prize money, with the total amount reaching £87,500.

Alan Carr's transformation from giggle liability to strategic player was one of the standout highlights of the season.

However, his victory still left the nation in shock, according to industry observers.

"The thought of him, of all people, pulling off an expert performance in deceit felt about as likely as him keeping a straight face through his comedy routines."

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

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

"Most people didn't target him because how does one vote for a person so loveable?" asked another celebrity.

The winner stated he had "absolutely loved" his time on the program.

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

The final episode was lengthened to 70 minutes on television. It had an unusual opening than typical episodes, as all the celebs knew who'd make it at the morning gathering.

There was particularly inspiring, and atypical for the show soundtrack, as we recapped key scenes from every remaining player's time in the castle.

As ever, Alan Carr gave us unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I began the competition as something of a nervous wreck. I've betrayed some really good friends under the bus, I've murdered national treasures openly. Apparently I'm a better liar and player than I believed."

At the same time, another contestant noted that being in the final was "way more stressful than playing for England", while someone else said he was "completely amazed" to have made it so far.

In the beginning in the episode, several players seemed to be making a bid to become the new style icon of the castle, replacing an earlier departed style leader.

The winner appeared at the morning meal looking like a 1950s US chat show host in patterned burgundy attire, before changing into an embellished light-colored outfit.

However, he got outstyled by another contestant's burgundy formal wear. Impressive style.

Following this was the challenge, with the final players boarding a locomotive called - of course - The Deceivers' Railway.

The challenge saw them destroying portraits of former contestants. 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 elimination discussion.

Two traitors made a pact in advance, vowing to support each other. "We've progressed significantly, I'm not going to throw him under a bus," stated one, while their partner just giggled.

And one did stick to their agreement. Yet, managing to stay unnoticed for the majority of the competition, the other still received the majority elimination votes.

The remaining traitor looked like to be experiencing a world of pain to be the last traitor standing. "Now I'm on my own, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, without direction."

Online platforms and viewers were similarly upset.

"I hoped against that player to be eliminated. A truly loveable traitor," commented an observer.

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

However, there remained little opportunity to focus on their elimination. Before long, the game reached the endgame - this being what we were really all here for.

The final four stood over the fire pit. Meanwhile, the partnership broke down, just when it mattered the most, in a truly WTF moment.

One contestant was eliminated in dramatic fashion - after a shock vote from their partner, who betrayed them.

"This pains me to be betrayed at the final moment in that manner," remarked the ousted contestant. Later, we learned that when they message, the betrayed player refers to their former ally by a betrayer's name.

Ultimately, only three contestants remained in the game: the last participants.

One player, appearing quite pleased, chose to conclude the game. The same decision was made by a different player, and it all came down to the third, who did the same - which meant that the deceiver was the winner.

For observers, the scene where remaining contestants consoled the champion was "compelling television". "I predict it will be a contender for memorable moment at next year's awards," they commented.

Happily, the winner soon recovered from his emotional outburst, and could finally appreciate the moment.

"Such an emotional journey. I was awful at lying, my expressions gave me away and now I stand the champion," the winner said.

And he even made light of that infamous murder - his best friend during the initial stages - by leaning toward 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, plotting and sometimes unexpected moments may feel like one big crazy jumbled dream. But it really did occur. And we will miss it.