Following weeks of suspense, plots and backstabbing, Celebrity Traitors concludes with a nail-biting end

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

Throughout the season, viewers witnessed murders, betrayals, serious side-eye, and a memorable moment that cut through all tension.

Yet on Thursday night, the final winner of the first Celebrity Traitors emerged triumphant.

From 19 contestants, just a handful remained: Deceivers and faithfuls facing off for the winnings.

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

Ultimately, funny man Alan Carr emerged as the champion, in a surprising result that broke the internet and made him tearful.

"This has been destroying me, my apologies," he exclaimed, revealing to the remaining faithfuls that he was actually one of the deceivers. "I'm an awful human being."

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

Online platforms quickly erupted with this development. "The worst deceiver being the most effective player," wrote one user.

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

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

Alan Carr's transformation from comic relief 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 idea of Alan, among everyone, executing an expert performance in deception felt just as probable as him keeping composure through one of his own punchlines."

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

"He might have appeared to the morning meal in a green cloak and I wouldn't have believed he was a traitor. I was too busy laughing," one participant said.

"Most people didn't target him because how can you eliminate a person so loveable?" questioned a different contestant.

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

"I'd like to participate once more... I doubt it would be successful a second time!"

The final episode was extended to over an hour on the network. It had an unusual opening than usual, as all the celebs were aware who would appear at the morning gathering.

There was particularly inspiring, and atypical for the show music, as we recapped some moments from every remaining player's experience in the game.

As ever, the comedian provided unforgettable quotes.

"Let's face it, I started this game as something of an anxious mess. I've thrown close allies under the bus, I've murdered beloved figures in plain sight. Apparently I'm a better liar and player than I thought."

At the same time, another contestant noted that reaching the conclusion was "significantly more pressure than competing with England", while someone else said he was "totally surprised" 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 competition, replacing an earlier departed style leader.

The winner appeared at the morning meal resembling a vintage television personality in patterned burgundy attire, before changing into an embellished light-colored outfit.

But he was outstyled by a fellow player's maroon velvet tuxedo. What a look.

Following this was the competition, with the final players boarding a train named - of course - The Deceivers' Railway.

The challenge saw them destroying portraits of eliminated players. Spare a thought for one participant who managed to get hit in the head multiple times by the lid of a substantial container.

Soon after, it was time for the elimination discussion.

Two traitors made a pact beforehand, vowing to support each other. "We've come a long way, I'm not going to throw him under a bus," said a player, while their partner simply laughed.

However, one did stick to his promise. Yet, having slipped under the radar for the majority of the competition, the other still received the majority elimination votes.

The last deceiver appeared he was in a world of pain to be the last traitor standing. "Being alone, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, without direction."

Online platforms and viewers were similarly upset.

"I hoped against this contestant to be eliminated. A truly loveable traitor," commented a commentator.

"Your legacy will remain in Traitors history," wrote another user.

But there was no time to dwell on this departure. Before long, they were at the final stage - this being what we were really all here for.

The final four gathered around the fire pit. Meanwhile, the partnership broke down, precisely 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 at the final moment in that manner," said the eliminated player. Subsequently, we learned that if they ever communicate, the eliminated contestant calls the other by a betrayer's name.

Finally, just three players remained in the game: the final trio.

One player, looking incredibly smug, chose to conclude the game. The same decision was made by a different player, and it all came down to the final participant, who did the same - which meant that the traitor emerged victorious.

According to commentators, the moment where the other players consoled the champion was "compelling television". "I predict it could be in the running for memorable moment at television honors," they said.

Fortunately, the champion soon recovered from his bout of tears, and was able to enjoy his victory.

"What a rollercoaster. I thought I was terrible at deception, my expressions gave me away and now I stand a winner," the winner said.

He also made light of that infamous murder - his close ally during the initial stages - by leaning toward the host in the concluding moments and touching her cheek.

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

The last few weeks of celebrity gossiping, plotting and sometimes surprising incidents may seem like a bizarre fantasy. Yet it actually occur. It will be remembered fondly.