After multiple episodes of suspense, plots and sabotage, The Celebrity Traitors concludes with a nail-biting end

Spoiler alert - This piece reveals key moments from Celebrity Traitors finale

Over the course of the show, audiences saw eliminations, betrayals, serious side-eye, and an unforgettable incident that pierced the overwhelming suspense.

However on the final evening, the final winner of the first Celebrity Traitors was revealed.

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

Before long, the field narrowed to just three: the final players.

Ultimately, comedian Alan Carr emerged as the winner, in a shocking result that went viral and made him tearful.

"This has been destroying me, my apologies," he declared, revealing to the other players that he'd always been one of the deceivers. "I feel terrible about this."

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

Social media immediately exploded with the news. "Most awful traitor ever being the best traitor ever," commented a viewer.

"There could not have been a better conclusion," stated a different person, while someone else described it as "the television highlight of the year."

The organization he selected, a cancer charity, will receive the entire winnings, with the total amount reaching £87,500.

Alan Carr's transformation from giggle liability to cold-hearted killer was among the most memorable aspects of the season.

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

"The thought of him, of all people, pulling off a masterclass in deceit felt just as probable as him maintaining a straight face through one of his own punchlines."

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

"He might have come down to breakfast in a green cloak and I wouldn't have believed he was deceiving us. His humor distracted me," a player said.

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

The winner stated he had "thoroughly enjoyed" his experience with the show.

"I'd like to participate once more... I doubt it would work a second time!"

Thursday evening's episode was extended to over an hour on television. It had an unusual opening than usual, as all the celebs were aware who would appear at the morning gathering.

There was some very uplifting, and atypical for the show soundtrack, as the episode revisited key scenes from every remaining player's time in the castle.

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

"To be honest, I began the competition as something of an anxious mess. I've betrayed some really good friends to save myself, I've murdered national treasures openly. Apparently I'm a better liar and traitor than I thought."

Meanwhile, another contestant commented that being in the final was "way more stressful than playing for England", while someone else said he was "totally surprised" to have made it so far.

In the beginning in the episode, various contestants appeared to be making a bid to become the fashion standout of the competition, taking over from the previously eliminated fashionable contestant.

Carr emerged at breakfast resembling a vintage television personality in a checked maroon suit, before changing into an embellished light-colored outfit.

However, he got outstyled by a fellow player's burgundy formal wear. Impressive style.

Following this was the challenge, with the remaining contestants boarding a train named - of course - The Traitors Express.

This task involved destroying images of eliminated players. Spare a thought for a player who was hit on the head THREE times by the lid of a heavy wooden box.

Before long, it was time for the elimination discussion.

Two traitors did a pinky promise in advance, pledging to support each other. "We've progressed significantly, I won't betray him," stated one, while their partner just giggled.

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

The remaining traitor looked like he was in a world of pain to be the last traitor standing. "Now I'm on my own, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm unpredictable, without direction."

Social media and onlookers were similarly upset.

"I hoped against that player to be eliminated. An endearing deceiver," said an observer.

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

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

The final four gathered around the fire pit. Meanwhile, the partnership collapsed, just when it mattered the most, in a truly WTF moment.

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 in that manner," remarked the eliminated player. Later, we learned that if they ever communicate, the betrayed player calls their former ally by a betrayer's name.

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

One player, looking incredibly smug, voted to end the game. So did a different player, and it all came down to the final participant, who did the same - resulting in the traitor emerged victorious.

For observers, the scene where the other players consoled the champion was "beautiful TV". "I predict it could be in the running for outstanding scene at next year's awards," they commented.

Happily, the winner soon recovered from his bout of tears, and could finally appreciate the moment.

"Such an emotional journey. I was awful at lying, my expressions gave me away and now I stand a winner," the winner said.

He also made light of the memorable elimination - his best friend in an early episode - by reaching over the presenter in the concluding moments and touching her cheek.

"You've got something on your face," he said, with his trademark giggle.

The last few weeks of famous people scheming, plotting and the occasional surprising incidents may feel like one big crazy jumbled dream. Yet it actually all happen. And we will miss it.