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

Spoiler alert - This article discloses key moments from The Celebrity Traitors conclusion

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

Yet on Thursday night, the final winner of the first Celebrity Traitors was revealed.

Out of 19 contestants, just a handful were left standing: Deceivers and faithfuls facing off for the winnings.

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

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

"This has been destroying me, I'm so sorry," he declared, admitting to the other players that he'd always been a traitor. "I'm an awful human being."

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

Social media quickly erupted with the news. "The worst deceiver being the most effective player," commented one user.

"It couldn't have been a better conclusion," stated a different person, while a third described it as "the television highlight of the year."

His chosen charity, Neuroblastoma UK, will receive the entire winnings, with the final pot amounting to eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

Alan Carr's transformation from giggle liability to strategic player was one of the standout highlights of the season.

But his win still left the nation surprised, according to entertainment reporters.

"The idea of Alan, of all people, pulling off an expert performance in deception felt just as probable as him keeping a straight face through his comedy routines."

On subsequent discussions, fellow players summed up why no one had truly doubted 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," a player said.

"The majority didn't vote for him because how can you eliminate someone who is so charming?" questioned another celebrity.

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

"I'd like to participate once more... I don't think it would be successful a second time!"

The final installment was extended to 70 minutes on the network. There was a different start than typical episodes, as all the celebs were aware who would appear at the morning gathering.

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

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

"To be honest, I started this game a bit of an anxious mess. I've betrayed some really good friends to save myself, I've eliminated national treasures openly. I'm clearly a better liar and player than I believed."

At the same time, a different player commented that reaching the conclusion was "way more stressful than playing for England", while another said he was "totally surprised" to have lasted this long.

In the beginning of the finale, various contestants seemed to be making a bid to become the new style icon of the competition, taking over from the previously eliminated fashionable contestant.

The winner appeared at breakfast looking like a vintage television personality in a checked maroon suit, later switching into a bejewelled white suit.

However, he got out-jacketted by another contestant's burgundy formal wear. What a look.

Next up was the challenge, with the remaining contestants getting on board a train named - of course - The Traitors Express.

This task involved ripping up portraits of eliminated players. Have sympathy for a player who managed to get hit in the head THREE times by the lid of a substantial container.

Soon after, it was time for the roundtable.

The deceivers made a pact beforehand, pledging to stick together. "We've progressed significantly, I won't throw him under a bus," said one, while the other simply laughed.

And one adhered to his promise. Yet, managing to stay unnoticed for the majority of the competition, the other still got the most votes.

The remaining traitor looked like to be experiencing significant distress to be the final deceiver remaining. "Now I'm on my own, I'm frightened," 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 banished. A truly loveable traitor," commented 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, the game reached the final stage - which was what we were really all here for.

The final four stood over the fire pit. And the alliance broke down, just when it mattered the most, in an absolutely shocking development.

A player was painfully banished - after a shock vote from their partner, who turned against them.

"This pains me to be stabbed in the back at the final moment like that," said the ousted contestant. Subsequently, we learned that if they ever communicate, the eliminated contestant refers to their former ally by a betrayer's name.

Finally, only three contestants remained in the game: the final trio.

One player, appearing quite pleased, voted to end the game. The same decision was made by another, and it all came down to the final participant, who did the same - which meant that the deceiver emerged victorious.

According to commentators, the scene where the other players consoled the champion was "beautiful TV". "I predict it will be a contender for outstanding scene at television honors," they commented.

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

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

He also joked about that infamous murder - his best friend during the initial stages - by leaning toward the presenter in the final scene and making contact.

"There's something on your face," he said, with his trademark giggle.

The last few weeks of famous people scheming, plotting and sometimes surprising incidents may seem like a bizarre fantasy. But it really did all happen. It will be remembered fondly.