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

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

Throughout the season, audiences saw murders, double-crosses, serious side-eye, and an unforgettable incident that cut through all tension.

However on the final evening, the ultimate victor of the first celebrity edition was revealed.

From 19 contestants, only five were left standing: Deceivers and faithfuls competing for the prize.

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

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

"It's been tearing me apart, I'm so sorry," he exclaimed, revealing to the remaining faithfuls that he'd always been one of the deceivers. "I'm an awful human being."

"You did brilliantly," they consoled him. "It's all right."

Online platforms immediately exploded with this development. "Most awful traitor ever being the most effective player," commented one user.

"There could not have been a better conclusion," wrote a different person, while a third called it "the television highlight of the year."

His chosen charity, Neuroblastoma UK, will receive all the prize money, with the total amount amounting to eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

Alan Carr's transformation from giggle liability to strategic player was among the most memorable aspects of the season.

However, his victory still shocked viewers surprised, according to industry observers.

"The thought of him, of all people, executing a masterclass in deceit felt just as probable as him maintaining composure through one of his own punchlines."

On subsequent discussions, fellow players explained the reasons nobody had ever really suspected him.

"Alan could have appeared to the morning meal in traitor attire and I wouldn't have believed he was a traitor. His humor distracted me," a player said.

"The majority didn't vote for him because how does one vote for someone who is so charming?" asked a different contestant.

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

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

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

There was some very uplifting, and very un-Traitors-esque soundtrack, as we recapped key scenes from every remaining player's time in the castle.

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

"Let's face it, I began the competition as something of an anxious mess. I've thrown close allies to save myself, I've murdered beloved figures in plain sight. I'm clearly a better liar and player than I believed."

Meanwhile, a different player noted 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 made it so far.

Early on of the finale, various contestants appeared to be making a bid to become the fashion standout of the castle, replacing an earlier departed fashionable contestant.

The winner appeared at breakfast resembling a vintage television personality in patterned burgundy attire, later switching into a bejewelled white suit.

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

Next up was the competition, with the remaining contestants boarding a locomotive called - naturally - The Deceivers' Railway.

The challenge involved ripping up portraits of eliminated players. Have sympathy for a player who managed to get hit in the head multiple times by the lid of a heavy wooden box.

Soon after, it was time for the elimination discussion.

Two traitors did a pinky promise beforehand, vowing to stick together. "We've progressed significantly, I won't throw him under a bus," said a player, while the other simply laughed.

However, one adhered to their agreement. But, managing to stay unnoticed for most of the game, the other still received the majority elimination votes.

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

Social media and viewers were equally disappointed.

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

"Your legacy will remain in Traitors history," wrote a different viewer.

However, there remained no time to dwell on their elimination. Before long, they were at the final stage - which was what we were really all here for.

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

A player was eliminated in dramatic fashion - after a shock vote from their partner, who turned against them.

"It hurts to be stabbed in the back at the final moment like that," said the eliminated player. Subsequently, we learned that when they message, the eliminated contestant refers to their former ally as a traitor.

Finally, only three contestants remained in the game: the last participants.

One player, appearing quite pleased, voted to end the game. The same decision was made by a different player, and everything depended on the final participant, who did the same - which meant that the traitor was the winner.

According to commentators, the moment where the other players consoled the champion was "compelling television". "I predict it will be in the running for outstanding scene at television honors," they said.

Fortunately, the winner soon recovered from his emotional outburst, and could finally appreciate his victory.

"Such an emotional journey. I was awful at lying, my expressions gave me away and here I am the champion," he said.

And he even joked about the memorable elimination - his best friend in an early episode - by leaning toward the host in the concluding moments and making contact.

"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 seem like a bizarre fantasy. Yet it actually all happen. And we will miss it.