After weeks of suspense, plots and sabotage, Celebrity Traitors has reached a nail-biting end

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

Over the course of the show, viewers witnessed eliminations, double-crosses, serious side-eye, and an unforgettable incident that pierced the overwhelming tension.

Yet on Thursday night, the final winner of the inaugural Celebrity Traitors emerged triumphant.

From nineteen participants, only five remained: Deceivers and loyal players facing off for the winnings.

Before long, the competition tightened to just three: the final players.

Ultimately, funny man Alan Carr was crowned the winner, in a shocking outcome that went viral and made him tearful.

"It's been tearing me apart, I'm so sorry," he declared, admitting to the remaining faithfuls that he'd always been one of the deceivers. "I feel terrible about this."

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

Online platforms quickly erupted with the news. "The worst deceiver being the best traitor ever," wrote a viewer.

"There could not 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, gets to keep all the prize money, with the final pot reaching £87,500.

The comedian's evolution from giggle liability to strategic player 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, among everyone, executing an expert performance in deception felt about as likely as him keeping a straight face through his comedy routines."

During follow-up conversations, fellow players explained why no one had truly doubted him.

"Alan could have come down to breakfast in traitor attire 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 a person so charming?" asked a different contestant.

The winner stated he had "thoroughly enjoyed" his time on the program.

"I'd like to do it again... I don't think it would be successful a second time!"

Thursday evening's installment was extended to over an hour on television. It had a different start than typical episodes, as every celebrity were aware who'd make it at the morning gathering.

Viewers heard particularly inspiring, and very un-Traitors-esque soundtrack, as the episode revisited some moments from each of the finalists' experience in the game.

True to form, Alan Carr provided unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I began the competition a bit of an anxious mess. I've thrown close allies to save myself, I've murdered beloved figures openly. I'm clearly more deceptive and traitor than I thought."

Meanwhile, a different player commented that being in the final was "way more stressful than playing for England", while another said he was "totally surprised" to have lasted this long.

Early on in the episode, several players appeared to be attempting to become the fashion standout of the competition, taking over from an earlier departed fashionable contestant.

The winner appeared at the morning meal resembling a 1950s US chat show host in patterned burgundy attire, later switching into an embellished light-colored outfit.

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

Following this was the competition, with the remaining contestants boarding a locomotive called - of course - The Deceivers' Railway.

This task involved ripping up images of eliminated players. Spare a thought for one participant who was hit on the head multiple times by the cover of a heavy wooden box.

Soon after, the moment arrived for the elimination discussion.

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

And one adhered to their agreement. Yet, having slipped unnoticed for most of the game, the other still got the most votes.

The remaining traitor looked like to be experiencing a world of pain to be the final deceiver remaining. "Now I'm on my own, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm unpredictable, a rudderless ship."

Online platforms and viewers were similarly upset.

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

"Your legacy will remain in the show's legacy," posted another user.

However, there remained no time to focus on this departure. Soon, the game reached the final stage - this being the moment everyone anticipated.

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

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

"This pains me to be betrayed at the final moment like that," remarked the eliminated player. Subsequently, it was revealed that if they ever communicate, the eliminated contestant refers to the other by a betrayer's name.

Finally, just three players remained in the game: the final trio.

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

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

Fortunately, the champion soon recovered from his bout of tears, and was able to enjoy the moment.

"Such an emotional journey. I thought I was terrible at deception, I had no poker face and now I stand a winner," the winner said.

And he even joked about the memorable elimination - his close ally in an early episode - by reaching over the presenter in the final scene and touching her cheek.

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

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