After weeks of tension, plots and sabotage, Celebrity Traitors concludes with a nail-biting finale

Warning: spoilers ahead - This piece discloses key moments from Celebrity Traitors conclusion

Over the course of the show, audiences saw murders, betrayals, serious side-eye, and an unforgettable incident that cut through all suspense.

However on Thursday night, the ultimate victor of the first Celebrity Traitors was revealed.

Out of 19 contestants, only five were left standing: Deceivers and loyal players facing off for the prize.

Soon, the competition tightened to just three: the remaining contestants.

In the end, funny man 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 declared, revealing to the remaining faithfuls that he'd always been a traitor. "I'm an awful human being."

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

Online platforms quickly erupted with the news. "Most awful traitor ever being the most effective player," commented a viewer.

"There could not have been a better conclusion," stated another, while someone else called it "the television highlight of the year."

His chosen charity, Neuroblastoma UK, gets to keep all the prize money, with the final pot reaching £87,500.

The comedian's evolution from comic relief to cold-hearted killer was among the most memorable aspects of the series.

But his win still left the nation surprised, according to entertainment reporters.

"The thought of him, among everyone, pulling off a masterclass in deception felt about as likely as him maintaining a straight face through one of his own punchlines."

During follow-up conversations, fellow players summed up why no one had ever really suspected him.

"Alan could have come down to breakfast in a green cloak and I wouldn't have believed he was a traitor. His humor distracted me," a player said.

"The majority didn't target him because how does one vote for a person so loveable?" questioned a different contestant.

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

"I want to do it again... I doubt it would work again!"

Thursday evening's episode was lengthened to over an hour on the network. It had a different start 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 music, as the episode revisited key scenes from every remaining player's experience in the game.

As ever, Alan Carr provided unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I started this game a bit of an anxious mess. I've thrown some really good friends to save myself, I've eliminated national treasures openly. Apparently I'm a better liar and traitor than I thought."

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

Early on of the finale, various contestants seemed to be making a bid to become the new style icon of the competition, replacing the previously eliminated style leader.

The winner appeared at breakfast resembling a 1950s US chat show host in a checked maroon suit, later switching into a bejewelled white suit.

However, he got outstyled by another contestant's maroon velvet tuxedo. What a look.

Next up was the competition, with the remaining contestants getting on board a train named - naturally - The Deceivers' Railway.

The challenge saw them ripping up portraits of eliminated players. Spare a thought for one participant who managed to get 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 beforehand, vowing to support each other. "We've come a long way, I won't betray him," stated one, while the other just giggled.

However, one adhered to his promise. But, having slipped unnoticed for most of the game, the other still got the most votes.

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

Online platforms and viewers were equally disappointed.

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

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

However, there remained no time to dwell on this departure. Before long, they were at the endgame - which was what we were really all here for.

The final four stood over 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 turned against them.

"This pains me to be betrayed last minute in that manner," remarked the ousted contestant. Later, we learned that when they message, the eliminated contestant calls their former ally by a betrayer's name.

Ultimately, only three contestants remained in the game: the final trio.

One player, appearing quite pleased, voted to end the competition. The same decision was made by another, and everything depended on the third, who made the identical choice - resulting in the deceiver emerged victorious.

For observers, the scene where the other players comforted the champion was "beautiful TV". "I anticipate it could be in the running for memorable moment at next year's awards," they commented.

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

"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 the memorable elimination - his close ally in an early episode - by reaching over the host in the concluding moments and touching her cheek.

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

The last few weeks of celebrity gossiping, plotting and sometimes surprising incidents may feel like a bizarre fantasy. But it really did occur. And we will miss it.