After weeks of tension, plots and backstabbing, The Celebrity Traitors has reached a nail-biting end

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

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

Yet on the final evening, the ultimate victor of the inaugural Celebrity Traitors emerged triumphant.

Out of 19 contestants, just a handful were left standing: Deceivers and faithfuls facing off for the winnings.

Soon, the field narrowed to just three: the remaining contestants.

In the end, funny man Alan Carr was crowned the champion, in a surprising outcome that went viral and left him emotional.

"This has been destroying me, I'm so sorry," he exclaimed, admitting to the other players that he'd always been a traitor. "I feel terrible about this."

"You did brilliantly," they comforted him. "Everything's fine."

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

"It couldn't have been a better conclusion," wrote another, while someone else described it as "the television highlight of the year."

The organization he selected, Neuroblastoma UK, will receive all the prize money, with the final pot amounting to £87,500.

Alan Carr's transformation from giggle liability to cold-hearted killer was one of the standout highlights of the series.

However, his victory still left the nation surprised, as noted by industry observers.

"The idea of Alan, among everyone, executing a masterclass in deception felt just as probable as him keeping a straight face 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 breakfast in traitor attire and I still wouldn't have thought he was deceiving us. I was too busy laughing," one participant said.

"The majority didn't vote for him because how can you eliminate someone who is so loveable?" asked a different contestant.

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

"I want to participate once more... I doubt it would work again!"

Thursday evening's installment was extended to 70 minutes on the network. It had an unusual opening than typical episodes, as every celebrity knew who'd make it at the breakfast table.

Viewers heard some very uplifting, and atypical for the show music, as we recapped some moments from each of the finalists' time in the castle.

True to form, Alan Carr provided unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I started the competition a bit of a nervous wreck. I've betrayed close allies to save myself, I've eliminated national treasures openly. I'm clearly a better liar and player than I believed."

Meanwhile, a different player commented that reaching the conclusion was "significantly more pressure than competing with England", while someone else said he was "totally surprised" to have made it so far.

In the beginning of the finale, several players appeared to be making a bid to become the new style icon of the competition, replacing an earlier departed fashionable contestant.

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

However, he got out-jacketted by another contestant's maroon velvet tuxedo. Impressive style.

Next up was the competition, with the remaining contestants boarding a train named - naturally - The Traitors Express.

The challenge involved ripping up portraits of former contestants. Spare a thought for one participant who was hit on the head multiple times by the lid of a substantial container.

Soon after, it was time for the elimination discussion.

The deceivers did a pinky promise in advance, vowing to support each other. "We've progressed significantly, I'm not going to throw him under a bus," stated a player, while their partner just giggled.

And one did stick to his promise. Yet, having slipped unnoticed for most of the game, their partner still received the majority elimination votes.

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

Online platforms and viewers were similarly upset.

"I hoped against this contestant to be eliminated. A truly loveable traitor," said an observer.

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

But there was little opportunity to dwell on their elimination. Soon, the game reached the final stage - which was the moment everyone anticipated.

The last players gathered around the fire pit. And the alliance 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 at the final moment in that manner," said the ousted contestant. Subsequently, it was revealed that if they ever communicate, the betrayed player calls the other by a betrayer's name.

Finally, only three contestants remained in the game: the final trio.

A contestant, appearing quite pleased, voted to end the game. The same decision was made by a different player, and it all came down to the final participant, who did the same - resulting in the traitor was the winner.

For observers, the moment where remaining contestants comforted the winner was "compelling television". "I anticipate it will be a contender for outstanding scene at next year's awards," they commented.

Fortunately, the champion soon recovered from his emotional outburst, and was able to enjoy his victory.

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

He also made light of that infamous murder - his best friend in an early episode - by reaching over the presenter in the concluding moments and making contact.

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

The recent episodes of celebrity gossiping, scheming and the occasional surprising incidents may seem like one big crazy jumbled dream. Yet it actually occur. And we will miss it.