After multiple episodes of suspense, plots and backstabbing, Celebrity Traitors concludes with a nail-biting finale

Warning: spoilers ahead - This article reveals key moments from Celebrity Traitors finale

Over the course of the show, audiences saw eliminations, double-crosses, serious side-eye, and a memorable moment that cut through the overwhelming tension.

Yet on Thursday night, the ultimate victor of the first Celebrity Traitors emerged triumphant.

Out of nineteen participants, only five remained: Traitors and loyal players competing for the prize.

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

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

"It's been tearing me apart, I'm so sorry," he exclaimed, admitting to the remaining faithfuls that he was actually one of the deceivers. "I'm an awful human being."

"You did brilliantly," they comforted him. "It's all right."

Social media quickly erupted with the news. "The worst deceiver being the best traitor ever," commented one user.

"There could not have been a better conclusion," stated a different person, while a third called it "the TV moment of the year."

His chosen charity, Neuroblastoma UK, will receive all the prize money, with the total amount reaching eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

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

But his win still shocked viewers in shock, according to entertainment reporters.

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

During follow-up conversations, fellow players explained the reasons nobody had ever really suspected him.

"He might have come down to the morning meal in traitor attire and I wouldn't have believed he was deceiving us. His humor distracted me," one participant said.

"The majority didn't target him because how can you eliminate someone who is so charming?" questioned a different contestant.

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

"I want to do it again... I doubt it would be successful a second time!"

The final episode was extended to 70 minutes on the network. It had an unusual opening than typical episodes, as all the celebs knew who would appear at the morning gathering.

Viewers heard some very uplifting, and very un-Traitors-esque soundtrack, as the episode revisited key scenes from every remaining player's time in the castle.

True to form, Alan Carr provided unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I started the competition as something of a nervous wreck. I've thrown some really good friends under the bus, I've murdered beloved figures in plain sight. I'm clearly more deceptive and player than I thought."

Meanwhile, another contestant noted that reaching the conclusion was "significantly more pressure than playing for England", while another said he was "totally surprised" to have lasted this long.

In the beginning in the episode, several players appeared to be attempting to become the fashion standout of the castle, taking over from the previously eliminated fashionable contestant.

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

But he was out-jacketted by a fellow player's burgundy formal wear. What a look.

Following this was the competition, with the final players boarding a locomotive called - of course - The Traitors Express.

The challenge involved ripping up portraits of former contestants. Have sympathy for one participant who managed to get hit in the head multiple times by the cover of a heavy wooden box.

Soon after, it was time for the elimination discussion.

Two traitors did a pinky promise in advance, pledging to support each other. "We've come a long way, I won't betray him," stated a player, while the other simply laughed.

And one adhered to his promise. Yet, having slipped under the radar for most of the game, the other still got the most votes.

The remaining traitor appeared to be experiencing significant distress to be the final deceiver remaining. "Now I'm on my own, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, without direction."

Social media and viewers were similarly upset.

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

"You will forever be remembered in Traitors history," wrote a different viewer.

However, there remained little opportunity to dwell on this departure. Soon, they were at the final stage - this being the moment everyone anticipated.

The last players stood over the ceremonial fire. Meanwhile, the partnership broke down, just when it was most crucial, in a truly WTF moment.

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

"This pains me to be betrayed at the final moment like that," remarked the ousted contestant. Subsequently, we learned that if they ever communicate, the betrayed player calls their former ally by a betrayer's name.

Ultimately, just three players remained in the game: the last participants.

One player, appearing quite pleased, voted to end the game. The same decision was made by another, and everything depended on the final participant, who did the same - resulting in the traitor emerged victorious.

According to commentators, the scene where the other players comforted the champion was "compelling television". "I anticipate it will be a contender for outstanding scene at television honors," they commented.

Happily, the winner soon recovered from his emotional outburst, and was able to enjoy the moment.

"Such an emotional journey. I was awful at lying, I had no poker face and here I am the champion," the winner said.

He also made light of the memorable elimination - his close ally during the initial stages - by leaning toward the host in the final scene and touching her cheek.

"You've got something on your face," he said, with his trademark giggle.

The last few weeks of celebrity gossiping, plotting and sometimes unexpected moments may feel like one big crazy jumbled dream. But it really did occur. It will be remembered fondly.