Following multiple episodes of suspense, plots and sabotage, The Celebrity Traitors has reached a nail-biting end

Warning: spoilers ahead - This article reveals details from Celebrity Traitors finale

Throughout the season, viewers witnessed murders, double-crosses, serious side-eye, and a memorable moment that cut through the overwhelming suspense.

Yet on Thursday night, the final winner of the first celebrity edition was revealed.

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

Before long, the competition tightened to only three contenders: the remaining contestants.

Ultimately, comedian Alan Carr was crowned the champion, in a surprising result that went viral and left him emotional.

"It's been tearing me apart, I'm so sorry," he declared, revealing to the remaining faithfuls that he was actually a traitor. "I'm an awful human being."

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

Social media immediately exploded with this development. "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 a third called it "the TV moment of the year."

The organization he selected, Neuroblastoma UK, gets to keep all the prize money, with the final pot reaching £87,500.

Alan Carr's transformation from comic relief to strategic player was among the most memorable aspects of the series.

However, his victory still shocked viewers surprised, as noted by entertainment reporters.

"The thought of him, among everyone, executing an expert performance in deceit felt just as probable as him maintaining a straight face through his comedy routines."

During follow-up conversations, the other contestants explained why no one had truly doubted him.

"He might have come down to the morning meal in traitor attire and I wouldn't have believed he was deceiving us. I was too busy laughing," a player said.

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

Carr said he had "thoroughly enjoyed" his time on the show.

"I'd like to participate once more... I doubt it would work again!"

Thursday evening's episode was lengthened to over an hour on the network. It had an unusual opening than typical episodes, as every celebrity knew who would appear at the morning gathering.

Viewers heard particularly inspiring, and very un-Traitors-esque soundtrack, as the episode revisited some moments from every remaining player's experience in the game.

As ever, Alan Carr gave us unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I started the competition a bit of an anxious mess. I've betrayed some really good friends under the bus, I've eliminated beloved figures openly. Apparently I'm more deceptive and player than I believed."

Meanwhile, another contestant noted that being in the final was "significantly more pressure than competing with a national team", while another said he was "totally surprised" to have made it so far.

Early on of the finale, various contestants seemed to be making a bid to become the fashion standout of the castle, taking over from the previously eliminated style leader.

Carr emerged at breakfast resembling a 1950s US chat show host in a checked maroon suit, later switching into a bejewelled white suit.

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

Following this was the competition, with the final players boarding a train named - naturally - The Deceivers' Railway.

This task saw them destroying images of eliminated players. Spare a thought for one participant who managed to get hit on the head multiple times by the lid of a heavy wooden box.

Soon after, it was time for the roundtable.

The deceivers made a pact in advance, pledging to support each other. "We've come a long way, I won't throw him under a bus," stated one, while the other simply laughed.

However, one did stick to his promise. Yet, having slipped under the radar 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 feel terrified," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, without direction."

Social media and viewers were equally disappointed.

"I hoped against this contestant to be banished. An endearing deceiver," said a commentator.

"You will forever be remembered in the show's legacy," wrote a different viewer.

But there was no time to focus on their elimination. Soon, they were at the final stage - which was the moment everyone anticipated.

The final four gathered around the ceremonial fire. And the alliance collapsed, just when it mattered the most, in a truly WTF moment.

One contestant was eliminated in dramatic fashion - following a surprising decision from their ally, who betrayed them.

"It hurts to be betrayed last minute in that manner," said the ousted contestant. Later, we learned that if they ever communicate, the eliminated contestant calls their former ally as a traitor.

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

One player, appearing quite pleased, chose to conclude the competition. So did a different player, and it all came down to the final participant, who made the identical choice - resulting in the deceiver emerged victorious.

For observers, the moment where remaining contestants consoled the champion was "compelling television". "I anticipate it will be a contender for memorable moment at television honors," they said.

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

"What a rollercoaster. I was awful at lying, I had no poker face and now I stand a winner," the winner said.

He also joked about that infamous murder - his best friend in an early episode - by leaning toward the host in the final scene and touching her cheek.

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

The recent episodes of famous people scheming, scheming and the occasional unexpected moments may feel like one big crazy jumbled dream. But it really did occur. It will be remembered fondly.