Following multiple episodes of tension, plots and backstabbing, The Celebrity Traitors has reached a nail-biting finale

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

Throughout the season, viewers witnessed murders, double-crosses, intense glares, and an unforgettable incident that pierced all tension.

Yet on Thursday night, the ultimate victor of the inaugural Celebrity Traitors was revealed.

From 19 contestants, just a handful were left standing: Deceivers and faithfuls facing off for the prize.

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

Ultimately, funny man Alan Carr emerged as the champion, in a surprising result that went viral and made him tearful.

"This has been destroying me, I'm so sorry," he exclaimed, revealing to the remaining faithfuls that he was actually one of the deceivers. "I feel terrible about this."

"You played amazingly," they comforted him. "It's all right."

Social media quickly erupted with the news. "The worst deceiver being the most effective player," commented one user.

"It couldn't have been a better conclusion," stated a different person, while a third called it "the television highlight of the year."

His chosen charity, a cancer charity, will receive the entire winnings, with the total amount reaching £87,500.

The comedian's evolution from giggle liability to strategic player was among the most memorable aspects of the series.

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

"The idea of Alan, of all people, executing an expert performance in deception felt about as likely as him maintaining composure through his comedy routines."

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

"Alan could have come down to breakfast in a green cloak and I wouldn't have believed he was a traitor. I was too busy laughing," a player said.

"The majority didn't vote for him because how can you vote for someone who is so loveable?" questioned another celebrity.

Carr said he had "absolutely loved" his time on the show.

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

The final installment was lengthened to over an hour on television. There was a different start than usual, as all the celebs knew who would appear at the breakfast table.

Viewers heard some very uplifting, and very un-Traitors-esque music, as we recapped some moments from each of the finalists' experience in the game.

As ever, Alan Carr provided unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I began this game a bit of an anxious mess. I've thrown some really good friends to save myself, I've murdered beloved figures in plain sight. I'm clearly a better liar and player than I believed."

Meanwhile, another contestant commented that being in the final was "significantly more pressure than competing with England", while someone else said he was "completely amazed" to have lasted this long.

Early on of the finale, several players seemed to be attempting to become the new style icon of the competition, taking over from the previously eliminated fashionable contestant.

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

However, he got out-jacketted by another contestant's burgundy formal wear. What a look.

Following this was the competition, with the remaining contestants getting on board a locomotive called - naturally - The Traitors Express.

The challenge involved destroying images of former contestants. Have sympathy for one participant who was hit on the head THREE times by the cover of a substantial container.

Before long, the moment arrived for the roundtable.

The deceivers made a pact in advance, pledging to support each other. "We've progressed significantly, I'm not going to betray him," said a player, while their partner simply laughed.

However, one adhered to their agreement. Yet, managing to stay unnoticed for most of the game, their partner still got the most votes.

The last deceiver looked like he was in 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 onlookers were equally disappointed.

"I hoped against that player to be eliminated. A truly loveable traitor," commented an observer.

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

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

The final four gathered around the fire pit. And the alliance broke down, just when it was most crucial, in an absolutely shocking development.

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

"This pains me to be betrayed at the final moment in that manner," said the eliminated player. Subsequently, we learned that when they message, the betrayed player calls the other by a betrayer's name.

Ultimately, just three players were still competing: the final trio.

A contestant, looking incredibly smug, chose to conclude the game. The same decision was made by another, and it all came down to the third, who did the same - resulting in the traitor emerged victorious.

For observers, the moment where remaining contestants comforted the champion was "beautiful TV". "I predict it could be a contender for outstanding scene at television honors," they said.

Fortunately, the champion quickly regained composure from his bout of tears, and could finally appreciate his victory.

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

He also made light of that infamous murder - his close ally during the initial stages - by leaning toward the host in the concluding moments and making contact.

"You've got something on your face," he said, with his characteristic laugh.

The recent episodes of famous people scheming, plotting and the occasional surprising incidents may feel like one big crazy jumbled dream. But it really did all happen. It will be remembered fondly.