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

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

Over the course of the show, viewers witnessed murders, betrayals, serious side-eye, and an unforgettable incident that pierced all tension.

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 winnings.

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

Ultimately, 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 other players that he was actually one of the deceivers. "I feel terrible about this."

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

Social media immediately exploded with this development. "The worst deceiver being the most effective player," commented a viewer.

"It couldn't have been a better conclusion," wrote a different person, while a third called it "the TV moment of the year."

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

Alan Carr's transformation from giggle liability to cold-hearted killer was among the most memorable aspects of the season.

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

"The idea of Alan, of all people, pulling off an expert performance in deceit felt just as probable as him maintaining composure through one of his own punchlines."

On subsequent discussions, the other contestants explained the reasons nobody had truly doubted him.

"Alan could have appeared to breakfast in traitor attire and I wouldn't have believed he was deceiving us. His humor distracted me," a player said.

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

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

"I'd like to participate once more... I doubt it would work again!"

The final installment was extended to over an hour on television. It had an unusual opening than typical episodes, as all the celebs were aware who'd make it at the morning gathering.

Viewers heard particularly inspiring, and very un-Traitors-esque soundtrack, as we recapped key scenes from every remaining player's time in the castle.

As ever, the comedian provided some of the most memorable lines.

"Let's face it, I began the competition a bit of an anxious mess. I've thrown close allies under the bus, I've murdered beloved figures openly. I'm clearly a better liar and player than I thought."

Meanwhile, another contestant noted that being in the final was "way more stressful than competing with England", while another said he was "totally surprised" to have lasted this long.

In the beginning in the episode, several players appeared to be attempting to become the fashion standout of the competition, taking over from the previously eliminated style leader.

Carr emerged at the morning meal resembling a 1950s US chat show host in patterned burgundy attire, later switching into a bejewelled white suit.

However, he got outstyled by a fellow player's burgundy formal wear. Impressive style.

Next up was the competition, with the final players getting on board a train named - naturally - The Traitors Express.

The challenge saw them ripping up portraits of former contestants. Have sympathy for a player who was hit on the head multiple times by the lid of a heavy wooden box.

Soon after, it was time for the elimination discussion.

Two traitors made a pact in advance, pledging to stick together. "We've come a long way, I won't throw him under a bus," stated a player, while their partner just giggled.

And one adhered to his promise. 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 significant distress to be the final deceiver remaining. "Being alone, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm unpredictable, a rudderless ship."

Social media and viewers were similarly upset.

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

"You will forever be remembered in the show's legacy," wrote another user.

But there was little opportunity to focus on this departure. Soon, they were at the final stage - this being what we were really all here for.

The final four stood over the fire pit. And the alliance collapsed, precisely when it mattered the most, in a truly WTF moment.

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

"It hurts to be betrayed last minute in that manner," remarked the eliminated player. Subsequently, we learned 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 final trio.

One player, appearing quite pleased, chose to conclude the game. The same decision was made by a different player, and everything depended on the final participant, who did the same - which meant that the traitor emerged victorious.

For observers, the scene where remaining contestants comforted the champion was "compelling television". "I predict it will be a contender for memorable moment at television honors," they commented.

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

"What a rollercoaster. I was awful at lying, 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 leaning toward the presenter in the concluding moments and touching her cheek.

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

The recent episodes of celebrity gossiping, scheming and sometimes unexpected moments may seem like a bizarre fantasy. Yet it actually all happen. It will be remembered fondly.