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

Spoiler alert - This article discloses key moments from Celebrity Traitors finale

Over the course of the show, viewers witnessed murders, double-crosses, serious side-eye, and an unforgettable incident that cut through all suspense.

Yet on the final evening, the ultimate victor of the first celebrity edition was revealed.

Out of 19 contestants, only five were left standing: Deceivers and faithfuls facing off for the winnings.

Soon, the field narrowed to just three: the final players.

Ultimately, comedian Alan Carr was crowned the winner, in a surprising outcome that went viral and made him tearful.

"It's been tearing me apart, I'm so sorry," he exclaimed, revealing to the remaining faithfuls that he'd always been a traitor. "I feel terrible about this."

"You played amazingly," they comforted him. "It's all right."

Social media immediately exploded with the news. "Most awful traitor ever being the most effective player," wrote one user.

"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, a cancer charity, 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 one of the standout highlights of the season.

However, his victory still left the nation in shock, according to entertainment reporters.

"The idea of Alan, among everyone, pulling off a masterclass in deceit felt about as likely as him keeping a straight face 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 deceiving us. His humor distracted me," one participant said.

"The majority didn't target him because how can you vote for a person so charming?" asked another celebrity.

The winner stated he had "thoroughly enjoyed" his experience with the show.

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

Thursday evening's episode was lengthened to 70 minutes on television. There was a different start than usual, as all the celebs knew who'd make it at the morning gathering.

Viewers heard particularly inspiring, and atypical for the show music, as the episode revisited key scenes from each of the finalists' experience in the game.

True to form, the comedian provided unforgettable quotes.

"Let's face it, I began this game a bit of an anxious mess. I've thrown some really good friends under the bus, I've murdered beloved figures in plain sight. Apparently I'm more deceptive and player than I thought."

At the same time, another contestant commented that being in the final was "significantly more pressure than competing with England", while someone else said he was "totally surprised" to have lasted this long.

In the beginning in the episode, various contestants appeared to be making a bid to become the fashion standout of the competition, replacing the previously eliminated style leader.

Carr emerged at the morning meal looking like 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. Impressive style.

Following this was the challenge, with the remaining contestants getting on board a locomotive called - of course - The Traitors Express.

The challenge saw them ripping up images of former contestants. Spare a thought for one participant who was hit in the head multiple times by the lid of a heavy wooden box.

Soon after, the moment arrived for the elimination discussion.

Two traitors made a pact in advance, pledging to support each other. "We've progressed significantly, I'm not going to betray him," stated a player, while their partner simply laughed.

However, one did stick to their agreement. But, having slipped unnoticed for the majority of the competition, the other still received the majority elimination votes.

The remaining traitor looked like he was in a world of pain to be the last traitor standing. "Now I'm on my own, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, a rudderless ship."

Online platforms and onlookers were equally disappointed.

"I hoped against this contestant to be eliminated. An endearing deceiver," commented a commentator.

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

However, there remained little opportunity to focus on their elimination. Soon, 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 broke down, precisely when it mattered the most, in a truly WTF moment.

One contestant was painfully banished - following a surprising decision from their ally, who betrayed them.

"It hurts to be stabbed in the back last minute like that," said the ousted contestant. Later, we learned that when they message, the betrayed player calls the other as a traitor.

Finally, only three contestants remained in the game: the last participants.

A contestant, appearing quite pleased, voted to end the competition. So did another, and everything depended on the final participant, who made the identical choice - which meant that the traitor emerged victorious.

For observers, the moment where remaining contestants consoled the champion was "compelling television". "I predict it will be a contender for memorable moment at television honors," they said.

Happily, the champion quickly regained composure from his emotional outburst, and was able to enjoy his victory.

"Such an emotional journey. I was awful at lying, I had no poker face and now I stand a winner," he said.

He also made light of that infamous murder - his best friend during the initial stages - 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 celebrity gossiping, scheming and the occasional surprising incidents may feel like one big crazy jumbled dream. But it really did all happen. It will be remembered fondly.