Following multiple episodes of suspense, plots and sabotage, Celebrity Traitors concludes with a thrilling finale

Warning: spoilers ahead - This piece reveals key moments from The Celebrity Traitors conclusion

Throughout the season, viewers witnessed eliminations, betrayals, serious side-eye, and an unforgettable incident that pierced all suspense.

However on Thursday night, the ultimate victor of the inaugural Celebrity Traitors was revealed.

Out of nineteen participants, only five remained: Traitors and loyal players competing for the winnings.

Soon, the competition tightened to just three: the final players.

Ultimately, comedian Alan Carr emerged as the champion, in a surprising outcome that broke the internet and left him emotional.

"This has been destroying me, I'm so sorry," he exclaimed, revealing to the other players that he was actually a traitor. "I feel terrible about this."

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

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

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

The organization he selected, Neuroblastoma UK, gets to keep the entire winnings, with the total amount amounting to £87,500.

The comedian's evolution from giggle liability to cold-hearted killer was among the most memorable aspects of the season.

But his win still shocked viewers in shock, as noted by entertainment reporters.

"The idea of Alan, of all people, executing an expert performance in deception felt about as likely as him keeping composure through his comedy routines."

On subsequent discussions, the other contestants explained why no one had truly doubted him.

"Alan could have appeared to breakfast in traitor attire and I wouldn't have believed he was deceiving us. I was too busy laughing," one participant said.

"Most people didn't vote for him because how does one vote for someone who is so loveable?" questioned a different contestant.

Carr said he had "absolutely loved" his experience with the program.

"I'd like to do it again... I don't think it would be successful again!"

Thursday evening's episode was lengthened to 70 minutes on television. It had an unusual opening than typical episodes, as every celebrity knew who would appear at the morning gathering.

Viewers heard particularly inspiring, and atypical for the show soundtrack, as the episode revisited key scenes from each of the finalists' time in the castle.

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

"Let's face it, I began this game as something of an anxious mess. I've betrayed close allies to save myself, I've murdered national treasures openly. Apparently I'm a better liar and traitor than I thought."

Meanwhile, a different player commented that being in the final was "way more stressful than playing for a national team", while someone else said he was "completely amazed" to have lasted this long.

In the beginning in the episode, various contestants appeared to be attempting to become the fashion standout of the castle, replacing the previously eliminated style leader.

Carr emerged at the morning meal resembling a 1950s US chat show host in a checked maroon suit, later switching into an embellished light-colored outfit.

But he was out-jacketted by another contestant's maroon velvet tuxedo. Impressive style.

Next up was the competition, with the final players boarding a train named - naturally - The Traitors Express.

This task saw them ripping up images of former contestants. Have sympathy for a player who was hit in the head THREE times by the lid of a heavy wooden box.

Soon after, it was time for the roundtable.

The deceivers did a pinky promise beforehand, vowing to stick together. "We've progressed significantly, I'm not going to throw him under a bus," said one, while the other just giggled.

However, one did stick to his promise. Yet, managing to stay unnoticed for the majority of the competition, their partner still got the most votes.

The remaining traitor looked like he was in significant distress to be the last traitor standing. "Now I'm on my own, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm unpredictable, a rudderless ship."

Online platforms and viewers were similarly upset.

"I hoped against that player to be eliminated. An endearing deceiver," said a commentator.

"You will forever be remembered in the show's legacy," posted another user.

However, there remained no time to focus 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. And the alliance broke down, 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 turned against them.

"It hurts to be betrayed last minute like that," remarked the ousted contestant. Subsequently, it was revealed that if they ever communicate, the eliminated contestant refers to their former ally by a betrayer's name.

Finally, only three contestants were still competing: the last participants.

A contestant, looking incredibly smug, chose to conclude the game. So did a different player, and it all came down to the third, who did the same - which meant that the deceiver was the winner.

According to commentators, the scene where remaining contestants consoled the champion was "compelling television". "I predict it could be in the running for outstanding scene at next year's awards," they commented.

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

"Such an emotional journey. I thought I was terrible at deception, I had no poker face and now I stand the champion," he said.

And he even joked about the memorable elimination - his close ally in an early episode - by leaning toward the host in the concluding moments and touching her cheek.

"There's something on your face," he said, with his characteristic laugh.

The recent episodes of celebrity gossiping, scheming and the occasional unexpected moments may feel like one big crazy jumbled dream. Yet it actually occur. And we will miss it.