Following weeks of suspense, plots and sabotage, Celebrity Traitors concludes with a nail-biting end

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

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

However on Thursday night, the ultimate victor of the first celebrity edition emerged triumphant.

Out of 19 contestants, only five were left standing: Traitors and faithfuls competing for the winnings.

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

In the end, funny man Alan Carr emerged as the winner, in a surprising result that broke the internet and left him emotional.

"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 consoled him. "Everything's fine."

Social media immediately exploded with the news. "Most awful traitor ever being the most effective player," wrote one user.

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

The organization he selected, Neuroblastoma UK, will receive all the prize money, with the total amount amounting to £87,500.

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

However, his victory still left the nation in shock, as noted by industry observers.

"The idea of Alan, among everyone, executing a masterclass in deceit felt about as likely as him maintaining composure through his comedy routines."

On subsequent discussions, fellow players summed up why no one had ever really suspected him.

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

"Most people didn't vote for him because how can you eliminate someone who is so charming?" asked a different contestant.

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

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

Thursday evening's installment was lengthened to 70 minutes on the network. It had an unusual opening than typical episodes, as all the celebs knew who would appear at the breakfast table.

There was some very uplifting, and atypical for the show soundtrack, as we recapped some moments from each of the finalists' experience in the game.

True to form, the comedian provided unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I started the competition a bit of a nervous wreck. I've thrown some really good friends under the bus, I've murdered national treasures openly. I'm clearly a better liar and player than I believed."

At the same time, another contestant commented that reaching the conclusion was "significantly more pressure than competing with a national team", while another said he was "completely amazed" to have made it so far.

In the beginning in the episode, several players seemed to be making a bid to become the fashion standout of the competition, taking over from the previously eliminated style leader.

The winner appeared at the morning meal resembling a vintage television personality in patterned burgundy attire, before changing into an embellished light-colored outfit.

However, he got out-jacketted by a fellow player's maroon velvet tuxedo. What a look.

Next up was the competition, with the final players getting on board a locomotive called - naturally - The Traitors Express.

The challenge saw them destroying portraits of former contestants. Have sympathy for one participant who managed to get hit on the head multiple times by the lid of a heavy wooden box.

Soon after, the moment arrived for the roundtable.

The deceivers made a pact beforehand, vowing to stick together. "We've come a long way, I'm not going to throw him under a bus," stated a player, while their partner simply laughed.

However, one did stick to his promise. But, managing to stay under the radar for most of the game, their partner still received the majority elimination votes.

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

Online platforms and onlookers were equally disappointed.

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

"You will forever be remembered in Traitors history," posted a different viewer.

But there was no time to dwell on this departure. Soon, the game reached the final stage - this being what we were really all here for.

The last players stood over the ceremonial fire. Meanwhile, the partnership collapsed, just when it mattered the most, in a truly WTF moment.

A player was eliminated in dramatic fashion - following a surprising decision from their partner, who betrayed them.

"This pains me to be betrayed at the final moment like that," said the ousted contestant. Later, we learned that if they ever communicate, the eliminated contestant refers to their former ally as a traitor.

Ultimately, just three players were still competing: the last participants.

One player, appearing quite pleased, voted to end the competition. The same decision was made by another, and it all came down to the final participant, who did the same - resulting in the traitor was the winner.

According to commentators, the scene where the other players comforted the winner was "compelling television". "I anticipate it will be in the running for memorable moment at next year's awards," they said.

Happily, the winner soon recovered from his bout of tears, and was able to enjoy his victory.

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

He also made light of that infamous murder - his best friend in an early episode - by reaching over 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 celebrity gossiping, plotting and the occasional unexpected moments may feel like a bizarre fantasy. But it really did all happen. It will be remembered fondly.