After weeks of suspense, plots and backstabbing, Celebrity Traitors has reached a nail-biting end

Spoiler alert - This piece reveals key moments from The Celebrity Traitors conclusion

Throughout the season, audiences saw murders, double-crosses, serious side-eye, and an unforgettable incident that cut through the overwhelming suspense.

Yet on Thursday night, the ultimate victor of the first celebrity edition emerged triumphant.

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

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

In the end, comedian Alan Carr was crowned the winner, in a shocking outcome that broke the internet and left him emotional.

"This has been destroying me, my apologies," he declared, revealing to the other players that he'd always been one of the deceivers. "I feel terrible about this."

"You did brilliantly," they comforted him. "It's all right."

Social media immediately exploded with the news. "Most awful traitor ever being the best traitor ever," commented a viewer.

"There could not have been a better conclusion," stated a different person, while a third called it "the TV moment of the year."

His chosen charity, Neuroblastoma UK, will receive the entire winnings, with the total amount amounting to £87,500.

The comedian's evolution from giggle liability to strategic player was among the most memorable aspects of the season.

However, his victory still shocked viewers in shock, as noted by entertainment reporters.

"The thought of him, among everyone, executing an expert performance in deceit felt just as probable as him keeping composure through one of his own punchlines."

During follow-up conversations, fellow players summed up why no one had truly doubted him.

"He might have come down to breakfast in traitor attire and I still wouldn't have thought he was a traitor. I was too busy laughing," one participant said.

"Most people didn't vote for him because how can you eliminate someone who is so loveable?" asked another celebrity.

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

"I want to do it again... I doubt it would work a second time!"

The final installment was extended to 70 minutes on television. It had an unusual opening than typical episodes, as every celebrity were aware who would appear at the breakfast table.

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

As ever, Alan Carr provided some of the most memorable lines.

"To be honest, I began the competition a bit of an anxious mess. I've betrayed close allies to save myself, I've eliminated beloved figures openly. Apparently I'm a better liar and player than I believed."

At the same time, a different player commented that being in the final was "way more stressful than playing for a national team", while another said he was "completely amazed" to have made it so far.

Early on of the finale, several players appeared to be making a bid to become the new style icon of the competition, taking over from an earlier departed fashionable contestant.

The winner appeared at breakfast resembling a vintage television personality in a checked maroon suit, before changing into an embellished light-colored outfit.

However, he got outstyled by a fellow player's burgundy formal wear. What a look.

Next up was the competition, with the remaining contestants boarding a train named - of course - The Deceivers' Railway.

This task involved destroying 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 stick together. "We've come a long way, I'm not going to betray him," said one, while their partner simply laughed.

However, one did stick to their agreement. Yet, managing to stay under the radar for most of the game, the other still got the most votes.

The remaining traitor appeared to be experiencing significant distress to be the final deceiver remaining. "Now I'm on my own, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm unpredictable, without direction."

Social media and viewers were equally disappointed.

"I hoped against that player to be banished. An endearing deceiver," commented a commentator.

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

However, there remained no time to dwell 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 ceremonial fire. And the alliance collapsed, just when it mattered the most, in an absolutely shocking development.

One contestant was painfully banished - following a surprising decision from their partner, who betrayed them.

"It hurts to be stabbed in the back last minute like that," said the eliminated player. Later, we learned that if they ever communicate, the betrayed player refers to their former ally as a traitor.

Ultimately, just three players were still competing: 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.

According to commentators, the moment where remaining contestants consoled the champion was "compelling television". "I anticipate it will be a contender for outstanding scene at television honors," they commented.

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

"Such an emotional journey. I thought I was terrible at deception, I had no poker face and here I am a winner," he said.

And he even joked about the memorable elimination - his best friend in an early episode - by leaning toward the presenter in the final scene and touching her cheek.

"You've got something on your face," he said, with his trademark giggle.

The last few weeks of famous people scheming, plotting and sometimes surprising incidents may feel like one big crazy jumbled dream. Yet it actually occur. And we will miss it.