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

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

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

Yet on Thursday night, the ultimate victor of the first celebrity edition emerged triumphant.

From nineteen participants, only five remained: Traitors and loyal players facing off for the prize.

Before long, the field narrowed to just three: the remaining contestants.

In the end, comedian Alan Carr was crowned the champion, in a shocking result that broke the internet and left him emotional.

"This has been destroying me, 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 played amazingly," they consoled him. "It's all right."

Online platforms immediately exploded with this development. "The worst deceiver being the best traitor ever," wrote one user.

"There could not have been a more iconic ending," stated a different person, while a third described it as "the television highlight of the year."

The organization he selected, a cancer charity, gets to keep all the prize money, with the total amount amounting to £87,500.

Alan Carr's transformation from giggle liability to strategic player was among the most memorable aspects of the series.

But his win still left the nation in shock, as noted by entertainment reporters.

"The thought of him, of all people, pulling off a masterclass in deceit felt just as probable as him keeping composure through one of his own punchlines."

On subsequent discussions, the other contestants summed up the reasons nobody 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," a player said.

"Most people didn't target him because how can you eliminate someone who is 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 doubt it would work again!"

Thursday evening's episode was extended to 70 minutes on television. There was a different start than usual, as every celebrity were aware who'd make it at the breakfast table.

Viewers heard particularly inspiring, and very un-Traitors-esque soundtrack, as the episode revisited some moments from each of the finalists' experience in the game.

True to form, Alan Carr provided unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I started this game as something of an anxious mess. I've betrayed close allies to save myself, I've eliminated national treasures in plain sight. I'm clearly a better liar and player than I believed."

At the same time, a different player noted that reaching the conclusion was "way more stressful than competing with England", while someone else said he was "completely amazed" to have made it so far.

Early on of the finale, several players appeared to be attempting to become the fashion standout of the competition, taking over from an earlier departed style leader.

The winner appeared at breakfast looking like a vintage television personality in a checked maroon suit, before changing into an embellished light-colored outfit.

But he was outstyled by another contestant's burgundy formal wear. What a look.

Following this was the challenge, with the final players getting on board a locomotive called - of course - The Deceivers' Railway.

This task saw them ripping up portraits of former contestants. Have sympathy for one participant who was hit in the head THREE times by the lid of a substantial container.

Before long, it was time for the elimination discussion.

The deceivers made a pact beforehand, vowing to support each other. "We've come a long way, I won't throw him under a bus," stated one, while the other simply laughed.

And one adhered to their agreement. Yet, having slipped under the radar for most of the game, their partner still got the most votes.

The last deceiver looked like to be experiencing significant distress to be the last traitor standing. "Now I'm on my own, 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," said an observer.

"Your legacy will remain in the show's legacy," wrote a different viewer.

But there was little opportunity to focus on this departure. Soon, they were at the final stage - this being the moment everyone anticipated.

The final four gathered around the ceremonial fire. Meanwhile, the partnership broke down, precisely when it was most crucial, in an absolutely shocking development.

A player was painfully banished - after a shock vote from their ally, who betrayed them.

"It hurts to be stabbed in the back last minute like that," remarked the eliminated player. Later, we learned that when they message, the betrayed player refers to the other as a traitor.

Finally, just three players remained in the game: the final trio.

One player, looking incredibly smug, chose to conclude the game. So did another, and everything depended on the final participant, who did the same - resulting in the traitor was the winner.

For observers, the moment where remaining contestants comforted the champion was "beautiful TV". "I anticipate it will be a contender for outstanding scene at television honors," they commented.

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

"Such an emotional journey. I thought I was terrible at deception, my expressions gave me away and now I stand a winner," he said.

He also made light of that infamous murder - his best friend in an early episode - by leaning toward the presenter in the concluding moments and touching her cheek.

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

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