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

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

Over the course of the show, viewers witnessed murders, double-crosses, serious side-eye, and a memorable moment that pierced all suspense.

Yet on Thursday night, the ultimate victor of the first celebrity edition was revealed.

From nineteen participants, only five were left standing: Traitors and faithfuls competing for the winnings.

Soon, the field narrowed to just three: the remaining contestants.

Ultimately, comedian Alan Carr emerged as the winner, in a shocking result that broke the internet and left him emotional.

"This has been destroying me, my apologies," he declared, 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."

Online platforms immediately exploded with the news. "Most awful traitor ever being the best traitor ever," commented a viewer.

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

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

The comedian's evolution from comic relief to strategic player was among the most memorable aspects of the series.

However, his victory still shocked viewers in shock, as noted by entertainment reporters.

"The thought of him, among everyone, executing a masterclass in deceit felt just as probable as him keeping a straight face through his comedy routines."

During follow-up conversations, fellow players explained why no one had truly doubted him.

"He might have come down to breakfast in a green cloak and I wouldn't have believed he was deceiving us. I was too busy laughing," one participant said.

"Most people didn't vote for him because how can you vote for someone who is so loveable?" questioned a different contestant.

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

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

Thursday evening's episode was extended to over an hour on television. There was an unusual opening than typical episodes, as every celebrity knew who'd make it at the breakfast table.

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

True to form, the comedian provided some of the most memorable lines.

"Let's face it, I began this game a bit of an anxious mess. I've betrayed close allies under the bus, I've murdered national treasures in plain sight. Apparently I'm a better liar and player than I believed."

Meanwhile, another contestant noted that reaching the conclusion was "significantly more pressure than competing with a national team", while someone else said he was "completely amazed" to have made it so far.

Early on of the finale, various contestants seemed to be making a bid to become the new style icon of the castle, taking over from the previously eliminated style leader.

Carr emerged at breakfast looking like a vintage television personality in a checked maroon suit, later switching into an embellished light-colored outfit.

But he was outstyled by another contestant's maroon velvet tuxedo. What a look.

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

The challenge involved ripping up images of former contestants. Have sympathy for a player who managed to get hit on the head THREE times by the lid of a substantial container.

Soon after, it was time for the roundtable.

Two traitors made a pact in advance, vowing to stick together. "We've come a long way, I won't throw him under a bus," said one, while their partner simply laughed.

However, one did stick to their agreement. Yet, managing to stay unnoticed for most of the game, their partner still received the majority elimination votes.

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

Social media and viewers were similarly upset.

"I hoped against that player to be banished. A truly loveable traitor," commented an observer.

"Your legacy will remain in Traitors history," wrote another user.

But there was little opportunity to dwell on their elimination. Before long, the game reached 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, just when it mattered the most, in an absolutely shocking development.

A player was painfully banished - following a surprising decision from their partner, who betrayed them.

"This pains me to be betrayed at the final moment in that manner," remarked the eliminated player. Subsequently, we learned that if they ever communicate, the betrayed player calls the other by a betrayer's name.

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

A contestant, appearing quite pleased, voted to end the competition. The same decision was made by a different player, and it all came down to the final participant, who made the identical choice - which meant that the traitor emerged victorious.

According to commentators, the moment where the other players comforted the champion was "beautiful TV". "I predict it could be a contender for memorable moment at television honors," they commented.

Fortunately, the champion soon recovered from his emotional outburst, and could finally appreciate the moment.

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

He also made light of the memorable elimination - his best friend in an early episode - by leaning toward the host in the final scene and touching her cheek.

"You've got something on your face," he said, with his characteristic laugh.

The recent episodes of famous people scheming, plotting and sometimes surprising incidents may feel like a bizarre fantasy. Yet it actually all happen. And we will miss it.