Following weeks of tension, plots and backstabbing, The Celebrity Traitors has reached a nail-biting finale

Spoiler alert - This piece reveals key moments from Celebrity Traitors finale

Over the course of the show, audiences saw murders, betrayals, serious side-eye, and an unforgettable incident that pierced all suspense.

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

Out of nineteen participants, only five remained: Deceivers and loyal players competing for the prize.

Before long, the field narrowed to only three contenders: the remaining contestants.

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, my apologies," he exclaimed, revealing to the other players that he was actually a traitor. "I'm an awful human being."

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

Online platforms immediately exploded with the news. "The worst deceiver being the best traitor ever," commented a viewer.

"There could not have been a better conclusion," stated a different person, while someone else described it as "the television highlight of the year."

The organization he selected, Neuroblastoma UK, gets to keep the entire winnings, with the final pot reaching £87,500.

The comedian's evolution from giggle liability to cold-hearted killer was one of the standout highlights of the season.

But his win still left the nation surprised, as noted by industry observers.

"The thought of him, of all people, pulling off a masterclass in deception felt just as probable as him keeping composure through his comedy routines."

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

"He might have come down to the morning meal in a green cloak and I still wouldn't have thought he was deceiving us. His humor distracted me," one participant said.

"Most people didn't vote for him because how can you eliminate a person so charming?" asked a different contestant.

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

"I want to participate once more... I doubt it would work a second time!"

Thursday evening's installment was lengthened to over an hour on television. It had an unusual opening than typical episodes, as every celebrity were aware who would appear at the breakfast table.

Viewers heard particularly inspiring, and very un-Traitors-esque soundtrack, as we recapped some moments from each of the finalists' time in the castle.

True to form, the comedian provided unforgettable quotes.

"Let's face it, I started the competition a bit of an anxious mess. I've betrayed close allies under the bus, I've eliminated national treasures openly. I'm clearly more deceptive and player than I believed."

Meanwhile, another contestant noted that reaching the conclusion was "significantly more pressure than competing with England", while someone else said he was "completely amazed" to have lasted this long.

Early on in the episode, various contestants seemed to be attempting to become the new style icon of the castle, taking over from the previously eliminated fashionable contestant.

The winner appeared at breakfast looking like a 1950s US chat show host in a checked maroon suit, before changing into a bejewelled white suit.

But he was out-jacketted by another contestant's maroon velvet tuxedo. Impressive style.

Next up was the challenge, with the remaining contestants boarding a train named - naturally - The Deceivers' Railway.

The challenge involved 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.

Soon after, it was time for the elimination discussion.

Two traitors did a pinky promise in advance, pledging to support each other. "We've come a long way, I'm not going to throw him under a bus," stated a player, while their partner just giggled.

And one adhered to his promise. But, managing to stay unnoticed for most of the game, the other still received the majority elimination votes.

The remaining traitor appeared to be experiencing a world of pain to be the final deceiver remaining. "Being alone, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, without direction."

Social media and viewers were equally disappointed.

"I did NOT want that player to be eliminated. A truly loveable traitor," said an observer.

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

But there was no time to dwell on their elimination. Soon, they were at the endgame - which was what we were really all here for.

The last players gathered around the ceremonial fire. Meanwhile, the partnership collapsed, just when it mattered the most, in an absolutely shocking development.

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

"It hurts to be betrayed last minute in that manner," said the ousted contestant. Later, we learned that if they ever communicate, the eliminated contestant calls the other as a traitor.

Finally, only three contestants were still competing: the last participants.

A contestant, looking incredibly smug, voted to end the game. So did a different player, and everything depended on the final participant, who did the same - resulting in the deceiver emerged victorious.

According to commentators, the moment where remaining contestants consoled the winner was "beautiful TV". "I anticipate it will be a contender for outstanding scene at next year's awards," they commented.

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

"Such an emotional journey. I was awful at lying, I had no poker face and now I stand a winner," the winner said.

He also made light of that infamous murder - his best friend in an early episode - 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 recent episodes of celebrity gossiping, scheming and the occasional surprising incidents may feel like a bizarre fantasy. Yet it actually all happen. It will be remembered fondly.