After 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 The Celebrity Traitors conclusion

Over the course of the show, viewers witnessed murders, betrayals, intense glares, and a memorable moment that pierced all suspense.

However on Thursday night, the final winner of the first celebrity edition emerged triumphant.

From nineteen participants, only five were left standing: Deceivers and faithfuls facing off for the winnings.

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

In the end, funny man Alan Carr was crowned the champion, in a shocking outcome that went viral and left him emotional.

"It's been tearing me apart, my apologies," he exclaimed, admitting to the remaining faithfuls that he was actually one of the deceivers. "I feel terrible about this."

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

Social media immediately exploded with this development. "The worst deceiver being the most effective player," commented one user.

"There could not have been a more iconic ending," stated another, while someone else described it as "the TV moment of the year."

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

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

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 just as probable as him maintaining composure through one of his own punchlines."

During follow-up conversations, the other contestants 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," one participant said.

"Most people didn't vote for him because how does one vote for someone who is so charming?" asked another celebrity.

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

"I want to do it again... I doubt it would work a second time!"

The final episode was extended to 70 minutes on the network. It had an unusual opening than usual, as all the celebs were aware who would appear at the breakfast table.

Viewers heard particularly inspiring, and atypical for the show music, as the episode revisited some moments from every remaining player's time in the castle.

True to form, Alan Carr provided unforgettable quotes.

"Let's face it, I started the competition a bit of a nervous wreck. I've thrown close allies under the bus, I've eliminated beloved figures openly. I'm clearly a better liar and traitor than I believed."

At the same time, another contestant commented that reaching the conclusion was "way more stressful than competing with England", while someone else said he was "completely amazed" to have lasted this long.

In the beginning in the episode, several players seemed to be attempting to become the fashion standout of the castle, replacing the previously eliminated fashionable contestant.

Carr emerged at breakfast looking like a 1950s US chat show host in patterned burgundy attire, later switching into a bejewelled white suit.

However, he got outstyled by another contestant's maroon velvet tuxedo. Impressive style.

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

The challenge saw them destroying images of former contestants. Have sympathy for a player who managed to get hit in the head THREE times by the cover of a heavy wooden box.

Soon after, the moment arrived for the elimination discussion.

Two traitors made a pact beforehand, pledging to stick together. "We've progressed significantly, I'm not going to throw him under a bus," stated a player, while the other simply laughed.

And one adhered to his promise. But, having slipped unnoticed for the majority of the competition, their partner still received the majority elimination votes.

The last deceiver looked like he was in a world of pain to be the last traitor standing. "Being alone, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, a rudderless ship."

Social media and viewers were equally disappointed.

"I did NOT want this contestant to be eliminated. An endearing deceiver," said an observer.

"You will forever be remembered in Traitors history," posted another user.

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

The last players gathered around the fire pit. And the alliance collapsed, just when it was most crucial, in an absolutely shocking development.

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

"This pains me to be stabbed in the back last minute like that," remarked the ousted contestant. Subsequently, it was revealed that when they message, the eliminated contestant calls their former ally by a betrayer's name.

Finally, only three contestants were still competing: the final trio.

One player, looking incredibly smug, voted to end the competition. So did a different player, and everything depended on the final participant, who made the identical choice - which meant that the traitor emerged victorious.

According to commentators, the scene where the other players consoled the champion was "compelling television". "I anticipate it will be a contender for outstanding scene at next year's awards," they commented.

Fortunately, the winner soon recovered from his emotional outburst, and was able to enjoy the moment.

"What a rollercoaster. I thought I was terrible at deception, my expressions gave me away and here I am the champion," the winner said.

And he even joked about that infamous murder - 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 trademark giggle.

The recent episodes of celebrity gossiping, plotting and sometimes unexpected moments may seem like a bizarre fantasy. Yet it actually all happen. It will be remembered fondly.