After multiple episodes of tension, plots and backstabbing, Celebrity Traitors concludes with a thrilling end

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

Over the course of the show, audiences saw murders, double-crosses, 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 emerged triumphant.

Out of 19 contestants, only five remained: Traitors and faithfuls facing off for the winnings.

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

Ultimately, comedian Alan Carr emerged as the champion, in a shocking outcome that broke the internet and left him emotional.

"This has been destroying me, my apologies," he declared, admitting to the other players that he was actually one of the deceivers. "I'm an awful human being."

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

Social media quickly erupted with the news. "Most awful traitor ever being the most effective player," wrote a viewer.

"It couldn't have been a more iconic ending," stated a different person, while a third described it as "the TV moment of the year."

The organization he selected, a cancer charity, will receive all the prize money, with the final pot reaching eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

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

But his win still left the nation in shock, according to industry observers.

"The thought of him, among everyone, pulling off a masterclass in deception felt just as probable as him maintaining composure through one of his own punchlines."

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

"Alan could have come down to breakfast in a green cloak and I still wouldn't have thought he was deceiving us. His humor distracted me," a player said.

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

The winner stated he had "thoroughly enjoyed" his time on the program.

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

Thursday evening's installment was lengthened to over an hour on television. There was a different start than typical episodes, as every celebrity were aware who'd make it at the morning gathering.

There was particularly inspiring, and very un-Traitors-esque soundtrack, as the episode revisited some moments from each of the finalists' experience in the game.

As ever, the comedian gave us unforgettable quotes.

"Let's face it, I started the competition as something of a nervous wreck. I've thrown close allies under the bus, I've eliminated national treasures in plain sight. I'm clearly more deceptive and traitor than I believed."

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

In the beginning of the finale, several players seemed to be making a bid to become the new style icon of the competition, taking over from the previously eliminated style leader.

The winner appeared at breakfast resembling a 1950s US chat show host in a checked maroon suit, before changing into an embellished light-colored outfit.

However, he got outstyled by another contestant's maroon velvet tuxedo. Impressive style.

Following this was the challenge, with the remaining contestants getting on board a locomotive called - naturally - The Deceivers' Railway.

The challenge involved ripping up images of former contestants. Have sympathy for one participant who was hit in the head THREE times by the lid of a substantial container.

Soon after, the moment arrived for the elimination discussion.

The deceivers did a pinky promise beforehand, vowing to support each other. "We've progressed significantly, I won't throw him under a bus," said one, while the other just giggled.

However, one adhered to their agreement. But, having slipped under the radar for most of the game, the other still received the majority elimination votes.

The last deceiver appeared he was in significant distress to be the final deceiver remaining. "Now I'm on my own, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, without direction."

Social media and onlookers were equally disappointed.

"I did NOT want that player to be eliminated. A truly loveable traitor," commented a commentator.

"You will forever be remembered in Traitors history," wrote another user.

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

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

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

"It hurts to be betrayed at the final moment like that," remarked the eliminated player. Later, it was revealed that if they ever communicate, the betrayed player calls their former ally by a betrayer's name.

Ultimately, just three players were still competing: the last participants.

One player, looking incredibly smug, chose to conclude the game. The same decision was made by a different player, and everything depended on the third, who did the same - which meant that the traitor was the winner.

For observers, the scene where the other players comforted the winner was "beautiful TV". "I anticipate it could be a contender for outstanding scene at next year's awards," they commented.

Happily, the champion soon recovered from his emotional outburst, and was able to enjoy his victory.

"What a rollercoaster. I thought I was terrible at deception, I had no poker face and now I stand the champion," he said.

And he even joked about that infamous murder - his best friend in an early episode - by reaching over the host in the final scene and touching her cheek.

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

The last few weeks of celebrity gossiping, scheming and the occasional surprising incidents may feel like one big crazy jumbled dream. Yet it actually occur. It will be remembered fondly.