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

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

Over the course of the show, audiences saw murders, betrayals, serious side-eye, and a memorable moment that pierced the overwhelming tension.

Yet on the final evening, the final winner of the first celebrity edition emerged triumphant.

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

Soon, the competition tightened to just three: the final players.

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 one of the deceivers. "I'm an awful human being."

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

Social media quickly erupted with this development. "The worst deceiver being the best traitor ever," wrote one user.

"There could not have been a more iconic ending," wrote another, while a third called it "the television highlight of the year."

His chosen charity, a cancer charity, will receive all the prize money, with the final pot amounting to 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 surprised, according to industry observers.

"The thought of him, among everyone, pulling off a masterclass in deceit felt just as probable as him maintaining composure through his comedy routines."

During follow-up conversations, fellow players summed up the reasons nobody had truly doubted him.

"Alan could have appeared to the morning meal in a green cloak and I still wouldn't have thought he was deceiving us. I was too busy laughing," a player said.

"Most people didn't target him because how does one eliminate someone who is so loveable?" questioned a different contestant.

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

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

Thursday evening's 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.

Viewers heard some very uplifting, and atypical for the show soundtrack, as the episode revisited key scenes from each of the finalists' time in the castle.

True to form, Alan Carr gave us some of the most memorable lines.

"To be honest, I started the competition as something of an anxious mess. I've betrayed some really good friends under the bus, I've eliminated beloved figures openly. Apparently I'm more deceptive and traitor 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 lasted this long.

In the beginning in the episode, several players appeared to be making a bid to become the new style icon of the competition, replacing the previously eliminated style leader.

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

But he was outstyled by a fellow player's maroon velvet tuxedo. Impressive style.

Following this was the challenge, with the remaining contestants boarding a train named - of course - The Deceivers' Railway.

The challenge involved destroying images of former contestants. Spare a thought for a player who managed to get hit in the head multiple times by the lid of a heavy wooden box.

Before long, the moment arrived for the elimination discussion.

The deceivers did a pinky promise beforehand, pledging to stick together. "We've progressed significantly, I won't throw him under a bus," said a player, while the other just giggled.

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

The last deceiver looked like he was in a world of pain to be the final deceiver remaining. "Being alone, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm unpredictable, without direction."

Online platforms and viewers were similarly upset.

"I hoped against that player to be eliminated. An endearing deceiver," said a commentator.

"You will forever be remembered in the show's legacy," wrote a different viewer.

But there was little opportunity to dwell on their elimination. Before long, the game reached the final stage - this being the moment everyone anticipated.

The last players stood over the ceremonial fire. And the alliance collapsed, just when it mattered the most, in an absolutely shocking development.

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

"It hurts to be betrayed last minute in that manner," remarked the ousted contestant. Later, we learned that if they ever communicate, the betrayed player refers to the other by a betrayer's name.

Finally, just three players were still competing: the last participants.

One player, looking incredibly smug, voted to end the game. The same decision was made by another, and it all came down to the third, who did the same - resulting in the traitor emerged victorious.

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

Fortunately, the winner 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," he said.

He also joked about the memorable elimination - his close ally in an early episode - by reaching over the presenter in the final scene and touching her cheek.

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

The recent episodes of famous people scheming, scheming and sometimes unexpected moments may feel like one big crazy jumbled dream. But it really did all happen. It will be remembered fondly.