Following multiple episodes of tension, plots and backstabbing, The Celebrity Traitors has reached a thrilling end

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

Throughout the season, viewers witnessed murders, betrayals, serious side-eye, and an unforgettable incident that pierced the overwhelming suspense.

Yet on Thursday night, the final winner of the inaugural celebrity edition emerged triumphant.

Out of nineteen participants, just a handful were left standing: Traitors and loyal players facing off for the winnings.

Soon, the field narrowed to only three contenders: the final players.

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 exclaimed, revealing to the other players that he was actually one of the deceivers. "I'm an awful human being."

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

Social media immediately exploded with the news. "Most awful traitor ever being the most effective player," wrote one user.

"There could not have been a more iconic ending," stated a different person, while someone else called it "the television highlight of the year."

The organization he selected, Neuroblastoma UK, gets to keep all the prize money, with the final pot amounting to eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

Alan Carr's transformation from comic relief to cold-hearted killer was one of the standout highlights of the season.

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

"The thought of him, of all people, pulling off an expert performance in deception felt about as likely as him keeping composure through his comedy routines."

On subsequent discussions, fellow players summed up why no one had ever really suspected him.

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

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

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

"I want to do it again... I don't think it would work a second time!"

Thursday evening's installment was extended to over an hour on the network. It had an unusual opening than usual, as every celebrity knew who would appear at the breakfast table.

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

As ever, Alan Carr provided some of the most memorable lines.

"Let's face it, I started the competition as something of a nervous wreck. I've betrayed close allies to save myself, I've murdered beloved figures in plain sight. Apparently I'm more deceptive and traitor than I thought."

At the same time, a different player commented that being in the final was "significantly more pressure than competing with a national team", while someone else said he was "totally surprised" to have lasted this long.

Early on in the episode, various contestants appeared to be making a bid to become the new style icon of the castle, replacing an earlier departed style leader.

The winner appeared at breakfast resembling a vintage television personality in a checked maroon suit, later switching into an embellished light-colored outfit.

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

Next up was the competition, with the remaining contestants getting on board a train named - naturally - The Deceivers' Railway.

The challenge involved destroying images of former contestants. Have sympathy for a player who was hit on the head multiple times by the lid of a heavy wooden box.

Before long, it was time for the roundtable.

Two traitors made a pact beforehand, pledging to stick together. "We've progressed significantly, I'm not going to throw him under a bus," stated a player, while the other just giggled.

However, one did stick to their agreement. But, having slipped unnoticed for most of the game, the other still got the most votes.

The remaining traitor looked like he was in significant distress to be the final deceiver remaining. "Now I'm on my own, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, a rudderless ship."

Online platforms and viewers were equally disappointed.

"I did NOT want that player to be eliminated. A truly loveable traitor," commented a commentator.

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

However, there remained no time to dwell on this departure. Soon, they were at the endgame - which was the moment everyone anticipated.

The final four gathered around the ceremonial fire. Meanwhile, the partnership collapsed, precisely when it mattered the most, in an absolutely shocking development.

One contestant was painfully banished - after a shock vote from their ally, who turned against them.

"It hurts to be stabbed in the back last minute like that," remarked the ousted contestant. Subsequently, we learned that when they message, the eliminated contestant calls their former ally as a traitor.

Ultimately, just three players were still competing: the last participants.

One player, appearing quite pleased, chose to conclude the game. So did another, and it all came down to the third, who did the same - resulting in the deceiver emerged victorious.

According to commentators, the scene where remaining contestants comforted the champion was "beautiful TV". "I anticipate it will be a contender for outstanding scene at next year's awards," they commented.

Fortunately, the champion quickly regained composure 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.

And he even joked about that infamous murder - his close ally in an early episode - by reaching over the host in the concluding moments and making contact.

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

The recent episodes of celebrity gossiping, plotting and the occasional unexpected moments may feel like one big crazy jumbled dream. Yet it actually all happen. And we will miss it.