After multiple episodes of suspense, plots and sabotage, The 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, audiences saw eliminations, double-crosses, intense glares, and an unforgettable incident that pierced all suspense.

However on Thursday night, the final winner of the first celebrity edition emerged triumphant.

Out of 19 contestants, only five remained: Deceivers and loyal players competing for the prize.

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

In the end, comedian Alan Carr emerged as the winner, in a surprising outcome that broke the internet and made him tearful.

"This has been destroying me, my apologies," he declared, revealing to the remaining faithfuls that he'd always been a traitor. "I'm an awful human being."

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

Social media immediately exploded with this development. "Most awful traitor ever being the best traitor ever," wrote one user.

"There could not have been a better conclusion," wrote another, while a third called it "the television highlight of the year."

The organization he selected, a cancer charity, will receive all the prize money, with the final pot reaching £87,500.

The comedian's evolution from comic relief to cold-hearted killer was among the most memorable aspects of the series.

But his win still left the nation surprised, according to industry observers.

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

On subsequent discussions, the other contestants summed up the reasons nobody had truly doubted him.

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

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

The winner stated he had "absolutely loved" his experience with the show.

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

The final installment was lengthened to over an hour on television. It had 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 music, as we recapped some moments from each of the finalists' time in the castle.

True to form, Alan Carr gave us some of the most memorable lines.

"Let's face it, I began this game a bit of a nervous wreck. I've thrown close allies to save myself, I've murdered national treasures in plain sight. I'm clearly a better liar and player than I thought."

Meanwhile, another contestant commented that being in the final was "way more stressful than competing with England", while another said he was "completely amazed" to have made it so far.

Early on of the finale, various contestants appeared to be attempting to become the fashion standout of the castle, taking over from the previously eliminated style leader.

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

However, he got outstyled by a fellow player's maroon velvet tuxedo. Impressive style.

Following this was the competition, with the final players boarding a locomotive called - naturally - The Deceivers' Railway.

The challenge saw them ripping up portraits of former contestants. Spare a thought for a player who was hit in the head multiple times by the cover of a substantial container.

Before long, the moment arrived for the elimination discussion.

Two traitors made a pact in advance, vowing to support each other. "We've progressed significantly, I won't throw him under a bus," stated one, while the other just giggled.

However, one did stick to his promise. Yet, having slipped unnoticed for the majority of the competition, their partner still got the most votes.

The remaining traitor looked like he was in a world of pain to be the final deceiver remaining. "Being alone, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm unpredictable, without direction."

Social media and onlookers were equally disappointed.

"I did NOT want that player to be banished. An endearing deceiver," commented an observer.

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

However, there remained no time to focus on their elimination. Soon, they were at the endgame - this being the moment everyone anticipated.

The last players stood over the fire pit. Meanwhile, the partnership broke down, precisely when it mattered the most, in a truly WTF moment.

A player was painfully banished - following a surprising decision from their ally, who turned against them.

"This pains me to be betrayed at the final moment in that manner," remarked the ousted contestant. Later, it was revealed that if they ever communicate, the betrayed player calls the other by a betrayer's name.

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

A contestant, looking incredibly smug, chose to conclude the competition. So did another, and it all came down to the third, who made the identical choice - resulting in the traitor emerged victorious.

For observers, the moment where remaining contestants consoled the champion was "beautiful TV". "I anticipate it could be a contender for outstanding scene at next year's awards," they said.

Happily, the winner quickly regained composure from his emotional outburst, and could finally appreciate the moment.

"What a rollercoaster. I thought I was terrible at deception, I had no poker face and here I am a winner," he said.

He also made light of that infamous murder - his close ally in an early episode - by leaning toward the host in the final scene and touching her cheek.

"There's something on your face," he said, with his characteristic laugh.

The recent episodes of famous people scheming, scheming and sometimes surprising incidents may seem like a bizarre fantasy. But it really did occur. And we will miss it.