Following multiple episodes of suspense, plots and backstabbing, Celebrity Traitors has reached a nail-biting finale

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

Throughout the season, audiences saw murders, double-crosses, intense glares, and a memorable moment that pierced all suspense.

Yet on the final evening, the final winner of the inaugural Celebrity Traitors was revealed.

From nineteen participants, just a handful remained: Deceivers and faithfuls competing for the prize.

Soon, the field narrowed to only three contenders: the remaining contestants.

Ultimately, comedian Alan Carr was crowned the champion, in a shocking result that went viral and left him emotional.

"It's been tearing me apart, my apologies," he exclaimed, admitting to the other players that he'd always been a traitor. "I'm an awful human being."

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

Social media quickly erupted with this development. "The worst deceiver being the most effective player," wrote a viewer.

"It couldn't have been a better conclusion," stated a different person, while a third described it as "the television highlight of the year."

His chosen charity, Neuroblastoma UK, will receive all the prize money, with the total amount amounting to £87,500.

The comedian's evolution from giggle liability to strategic player was one of the standout highlights of the series.

However, his victory still left the nation surprised, as noted by entertainment reporters.

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

On subsequent discussions, fellow players summed up the reasons nobody 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," a player said.

"The majority didn't vote for him because how does one vote for someone who is so loveable?" asked a different contestant.

Carr said he had "thoroughly enjoyed" his experience with the program.

"I want to participate once more... I don't think it would work again!"

Thursday evening's installment was extended to 70 minutes on television. It had a different start than typical episodes, as all the celebs knew who would appear at the breakfast table.

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

True to form, Alan Carr provided unforgettable quotes.

"Let's face it, I began 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 being in the final was "significantly more pressure than playing for a national team", while someone else said he was "completely amazed" to have made it so far.

In the beginning of the finale, several players appeared to be making a bid to become the fashion standout of the castle, replacing the previously eliminated fashionable contestant.

Carr emerged at the morning meal resembling a 1950s US chat show host in patterned burgundy attire, before changing into an embellished light-colored outfit.

But he was out-jacketted by another contestant's maroon velvet tuxedo. What a look.

Next up was the competition, with the final players boarding a train named - naturally - The Deceivers' Railway.

This task involved ripping up images of former contestants. Have sympathy for one participant who was hit in the head THREE times by the cover of a heavy wooden box.

Before long, the moment arrived for the elimination discussion.

Two traitors did a pinky promise in advance, pledging to stick together. "We've come a long way, I'm not going to betray him," stated a player, while the other just giggled.

And one adhered to his promise. But, managing to stay unnoticed for the majority of the competition, the other still got the most votes.

The last deceiver appeared he was in a world of pain to be the last traitor standing. "Now I'm on my own, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm unpredictable, a rudderless ship."

Social media and viewers were equally disappointed.

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

"Your legacy will remain in Traitors history," wrote a different viewer.

But there was little opportunity to focus on this departure. Before long, the game reached the final stage - which was what we were really all here for.

The last players stood over the fire pit. And the alliance broke down, just when it was most crucial, in an absolutely shocking development.

A player was painfully banished - after a shock vote from their partner, who betrayed them.

"This pains me to be betrayed at the final moment like that," said the ousted contestant. Later, we learned that if they ever communicate, the betrayed player calls the other as a traitor.

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

A contestant, looking incredibly smug, chose to conclude the game. So did a different player, and everything depended on the final participant, who made the identical choice - which meant that the traitor was the winner.

For observers, the scene where the other players consoled the champion was "compelling television". "I predict it could be a contender for outstanding scene at television honors," they commented.

Happily, the champion soon recovered from his emotional outburst, and could finally appreciate his victory.

"Such an emotional journey. I thought I was terrible at deception, my expressions gave me away and now I stand the champion," the winner said.

He also made light of the memorable elimination - his close ally in an early episode - by reaching over the presenter 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 famous people scheming, scheming and sometimes unexpected moments may seem like one big crazy jumbled dream. Yet it actually all happen. It will be remembered fondly.