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

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

Throughout the season, viewers witnessed murders, betrayals, serious side-eye, and a memorable moment that cut through all tension.

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

From 19 contestants, just a handful were left standing: Deceivers and loyal players facing off for the winnings.

Soon, the competition tightened to just three: the final players.

In the end, funny man Alan Carr emerged as the winner, in a shocking result that broke the internet and made him tearful.

"This has been destroying me, my apologies," he declared, revealing to the other players that he'd always been one of the deceivers. "I feel terrible about this."

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

Online platforms immediately exploded with this development. "Most awful traitor ever being the most effective player," commented a viewer.

"It couldn't have been a better conclusion," wrote a different person, while a third described it as "the television highlight of the year."

His chosen charity, Neuroblastoma UK, will receive all the prize money, with the final pot reaching £87,500.

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

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

"The idea of Alan, of all people, pulling off a masterclass in deceit felt about as likely as him maintaining a straight face through his comedy routines."

On subsequent discussions, fellow players explained the reasons nobody had ever really suspected him.

"Alan could have come down to the morning meal in traitor attire and I still wouldn't have thought he was deceiving us. I was too busy laughing," a player said.

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

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

"I want to do it again... I don't think it would be successful again!"

Thursday evening's installment was extended to over an hour on the network. There was a different start than usual, as every celebrity were aware who would appear at the morning gathering.

Viewers heard particularly inspiring, and very un-Traitors-esque soundtrack, as we recapped some moments from every remaining player's experience in the game.

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

"To be honest, I started the competition as something 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 thought."

Meanwhile, another contestant commented that reaching the conclusion was "way more stressful than playing for England", while someone else said he was "completely amazed" to have made it so far.

In the beginning of the finale, several players appeared to be making a bid to become the fashion standout of the competition, replacing the previously eliminated fashionable contestant.

The winner appeared at the morning meal resembling a 1950s US chat show host in patterned burgundy attire, before changing into a bejewelled white suit.

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

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

The challenge involved ripping up portraits of eliminated players. Have sympathy for one participant who managed to get hit in the head multiple times by the cover of a substantial container.

Before long, it was time for the elimination discussion.

The deceivers did a pinky promise beforehand, pledging to support each other. "We've come a long way, I won't throw him under a bus," said one, while the other simply laughed.

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

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

Online platforms and onlookers were similarly upset.

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

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

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

The final four stood over the fire pit. Meanwhile, the partnership broke down, just when it mattered the most, in an absolutely shocking development.

One contestant was eliminated in dramatic fashion - following a surprising decision from their ally, who turned against them.

"This pains me to be stabbed in the back last minute like that," said the eliminated player. Later, we learned that if they ever communicate, the betrayed player refers to their former ally by a betrayer's name.

Ultimately, only three contestants were still competing: the last participants.

A contestant, looking incredibly smug, voted to end the competition. So did a different player, and everything depended on the final participant, who did the same - which meant that the deceiver was the winner.

According to commentators, the moment where remaining contestants consoled the winner was "beautiful TV". "I predict it could be a contender for outstanding scene at next year's awards," they commented.

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

"What a rollercoaster. I was awful at lying, my expressions gave me away and now I stand the champion," he said.

He also joked about that infamous murder - his close ally during the initial stages - by reaching over the host in the final scene and making contact.

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

The recent episodes of famous people scheming, plotting and the occasional unexpected moments may feel like a bizarre fantasy. Yet it actually occur. It will be remembered fondly.