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

Warning: spoilers ahead - This article reveals key moments from The Celebrity Traitors conclusion

Throughout the season, audiences saw murders, betrayals, serious side-eye, and an unforgettable incident that pierced all suspense.

However on the final evening, the final winner of the first Celebrity Traitors was revealed.

From nineteen participants, just a handful remained: Traitors and loyal players facing off for the prize.

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

Ultimately, comedian Alan Carr emerged as the winner, in a shocking outcome 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 one of the deceivers. "I feel terrible about this."

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

Online platforms immediately exploded with this development. "Most awful traitor ever being the best traitor ever," commented a viewer.

"It couldn't have been a more iconic ending," stated another, while someone else described it as "the television highlight of the year."

His chosen charity, a cancer charity, gets to keep all the prize money, with the final pot amounting to £87,500.

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

However, his victory still left the nation in shock, according to industry observers.

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

During follow-up conversations, the other contestants summed up the reasons nobody had truly doubted him.

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

"Most people didn't target him because how does one eliminate a person so loveable?" questioned another celebrity.

The winner stated he had "absolutely loved" his time on the program.

"I want to participate once more... I doubt it would work again!"

Thursday evening's episode was extended to 70 minutes on the network. There was an unusual opening than usual, as every celebrity were aware who would appear at the morning gathering.

Viewers heard some very uplifting, and atypical for the show soundtrack, as the episode revisited some moments from every remaining player's time in the castle.

As ever, the comedian gave us some of the most memorable lines.

"Let's face it, I began the competition as something of an anxious mess. I've betrayed some really good friends under the bus, I've murdered beloved figures in plain sight. Apparently I'm more deceptive and player than I believed."

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

Early on of the finale, several players appeared to be attempting to become the fashion standout of the castle, taking over from the previously eliminated fashionable contestant.

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

But he was outstyled by a fellow player's burgundy formal wear. What a look.

Following this was the competition, with the remaining contestants boarding a locomotive called - of course - The Traitors Express.

This task involved destroying images of former contestants. Have sympathy for one participant who managed to get hit on the head multiple times by the lid of a substantial container.

Before long, it was time for the roundtable.

Two traitors made a pact beforehand, pledging to stick together. "We've come a long way, I'm not going to throw him under a bus," said a player, while their partner just giggled.

However, one did stick to their agreement. But, managing to stay under the radar for the majority of the competition, their partner still received the majority elimination votes.

The last deceiver looked like he was in significant distress to be the final deceiver remaining. "Being alone, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, a rudderless ship."

Social media and onlookers were equally disappointed.

"I hoped against that player to be eliminated. An endearing deceiver," said an observer.

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

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

The last players gathered around the fire pit. And the alliance collapsed, precisely when it was most crucial, in an absolutely shocking development.

A player was eliminated in dramatic fashion - following a surprising decision from their ally, who betrayed them.

"It hurts to be betrayed at the final moment in that manner," said the ousted contestant. Later, it was revealed that if they ever communicate, the betrayed player refers to their former ally by a betrayer's name.

Finally, just three players were still competing: the final trio.

A contestant, appearing quite pleased, voted to end the game. The same decision was made by another, and it all came down to the final participant, who made the identical choice - resulting in the deceiver emerged victorious.

For observers, the scene where remaining contestants consoled the champion was "compelling television". "I predict it will be in the running for memorable moment at next year's awards," they commented.

Fortunately, the champion quickly regained composure from his bout of tears, and could finally appreciate his victory.

"What a rollercoaster. I was awful at lying, my expressions gave me away and here I am a winner," the winner said.

And he even joked about the memorable elimination - his best friend during the initial stages - by reaching over the host in the concluding moments and making contact.

"There's something on your face," he said, with his characteristic laugh.

The last few weeks of famous people scheming, scheming and the occasional unexpected moments may seem like a bizarre fantasy. But it really did occur. And we will miss it.