After multiple episodes of suspense, schemes and backstabbing, The Celebrity Traitors concludes with a nail-biting end

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

Throughout the season, viewers witnessed murders, double-crosses, serious side-eye, and an unforgettable incident that cut through the overwhelming suspense.

Yet on Thursday night, the final winner of the inaugural celebrity edition was revealed.

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

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

In the end, funny man Alan Carr was crowned the winner, in a shocking outcome that went viral and left him emotional.

"It's been tearing me apart, I'm so sorry," he declared, admitting to the remaining faithfuls that he'd always been a traitor. "I'm an awful human being."

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

Online platforms quickly erupted with the news. "The worst deceiver being the best traitor ever," commented a viewer.

"There could not have been a better conclusion," stated a different person, while someone else described it as "the television highlight of the year."

The organization he selected, Neuroblastoma UK, will receive the entire winnings, with the total amount amounting to £87,500.

The comedian's evolution from giggle liability to cold-hearted killer was among the most memorable aspects of the season.

However, his victory still left the nation surprised, as noted by industry observers.

"The idea of Alan, of all people, pulling off an expert performance in deception felt just as probable as him keeping composure through his comedy routines."

On subsequent discussions, the other contestants explained the reasons nobody had truly doubted him.

"Alan could have appeared to the morning meal 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 target him because how does one vote for someone who is so charming?" asked another celebrity.

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

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

Thursday evening's episode was lengthened to over an hour on the network. It had an unusual opening than usual, as all the celebs knew who'd make it at the breakfast table.

Viewers heard some very uplifting, and very un-Traitors-esque soundtrack, as the episode revisited some moments from each of the finalists' time in the castle.

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

"To be honest, I started the competition as something of a nervous wreck. I've thrown close allies to save myself, I've eliminated beloved figures in plain sight. I'm clearly a better liar and player than I believed."

At the same time, a different player commented that reaching the conclusion was "way more stressful than competing with a national team", while another said he was "completely amazed" to have lasted this long.

Early on in the episode, various contestants appeared to be making a bid to become the fashion standout of the competition, taking over from the previously eliminated style leader.

Carr emerged at breakfast resembling a vintage television personality in patterned burgundy attire, before changing into a bejewelled white suit.

However, he got outstyled by a fellow player's maroon velvet tuxedo. Impressive style.

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

This task involved ripping up portraits of former contestants. Spare a thought for one participant who managed to get hit on the head THREE times by the cover of a heavy wooden box.

Soon after, it was time for the elimination discussion.

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

And one did stick to their agreement. But, having slipped unnoticed for most of the game, their partner still got the most votes.

The last deceiver looked like he was in significant distress to be the last traitor standing. "Being alone, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm unpredictable, a rudderless ship."

Social media and viewers were similarly upset.

"I did NOT want this contestant to be eliminated. An endearing deceiver," said a commentator.

"You will forever be remembered in the show's legacy," posted another user.

However, there remained little opportunity to dwell on this departure. Soon, the game reached the endgame - which was the moment everyone anticipated.

The last players gathered around the fire pit. And the alliance collapsed, precisely when it mattered the most, in a truly WTF moment.

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

"It hurts to be stabbed in the back last minute like that," remarked the ousted contestant. Subsequently, it was revealed that when they message, the eliminated contestant calls the other by a betrayer's name.

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

A contestant, looking incredibly smug, voted to end the competition. So did a different player, and it all came down to the final participant, who made the identical choice - which meant that the deceiver was the winner.

According to commentators, the scene where the other players consoled the winner was "beautiful TV". "I predict it will be a contender for memorable moment at next year's awards," they commented.

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

"What a rollercoaster. I thought I was terrible at deception, I had no poker face 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 leaning toward the host in the final scene and touching her cheek.

"There's something on your face," he said, with his trademark giggle.

The recent episodes of celebrity gossiping, scheming and the occasional surprising incidents may seem like a bizarre fantasy. Yet it actually occur. And we will miss it.