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

Warning: spoilers ahead - This article discloses key moments from The Celebrity Traitors conclusion

Over the course of the show, viewers witnessed murders, double-crosses, intense glares, and a memorable moment that cut through the overwhelming tension.

Yet on Thursday night, the ultimate victor of the first Celebrity Traitors was revealed.

Out of 19 contestants, just a handful remained: Traitors and loyal players facing off for the winnings.

Soon, the competition tightened to just three: the remaining contestants.

In the end, comedian Alan Carr was crowned the winner, in a surprising outcome that broke the internet and made him tearful.

"This has been destroying me, my apologies," he declared, revealing to the other players that he was actually a traitor. "I'm an awful human being."

"You played amazingly," they consoled him. "Everything's fine."

Social media quickly erupted with the news. "The worst deceiver 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, a cancer charity, will receive the entire winnings, with the final pot reaching eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

The comedian's evolution from giggle liability to cold-hearted killer was one of the standout highlights of the series.

However, his victory still shocked viewers in shock, as noted by industry observers.

"The thought of him, among everyone, pulling off an expert performance in deceit felt about as likely as him maintaining a straight face through his comedy routines."

During follow-up conversations, fellow players summed up the reasons nobody had truly doubted him.

"He might have come down to the morning meal in a green cloak and I still wouldn't have thought he was a traitor. I was too busy laughing," a player said.

"Most people didn't vote for him because how does one vote for a person so loveable?" questioned another celebrity.

Carr said he had "absolutely loved" his time on the show.

"I want to participate once more... I don't think it would be successful again!"

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

There was particularly inspiring, and atypical for the show soundtrack, as the episode revisited some moments from each of the finalists' experience in the game.

True to form, Alan Carr provided unforgettable quotes.

"Let's face it, I began this game as something of an anxious mess. I've betrayed some really good friends to save myself, I've murdered beloved figures openly. Apparently I'm a better liar and player than I believed."

Meanwhile, another contestant commented that reaching the conclusion was "way more stressful than playing for a national team", while someone else said he was "completely amazed" to have made it so far.

Early on in the episode, several players seemed to be attempting to become the fashion standout of the competition, taking over from an earlier departed style leader.

The winner appeared at breakfast looking like a 1950s US chat show host in a checked maroon suit, later switching into an embellished light-colored outfit.

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

Following this was the competition, with the remaining contestants boarding a locomotive called - of course - The Traitors Express.

The challenge saw them destroying images of eliminated players. Have sympathy for a player who managed to get hit on the head THREE times by the lid of a substantial container.

Before long, it was time for the elimination discussion.

The deceivers made a pact in advance, vowing to stick together. "We've come a long way, I won't betray him," said a player, while their partner simply laughed.

However, one did stick to their agreement. Yet, managing to stay under the radar for most of the game, the other 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 unpredictable, without direction."

Online platforms and onlookers were similarly upset.

"I hoped against this contestant to be banished. A truly loveable traitor," commented an observer.

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

However, there remained little opportunity to dwell on this departure. Before long, the game reached the final stage - which was what we were really all here for.

The final four stood over the ceremonial fire. And the alliance collapsed, just when it was most crucial, in a truly WTF moment.

One contestant was eliminated in dramatic fashion - after a shock vote from their ally, who betrayed them.

"It hurts to be stabbed in the back last minute like that," said the ousted contestant. Subsequently, it was revealed that if they ever communicate, the betrayed player refers to the other by a betrayer's name.

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

A contestant, looking incredibly smug, chose to conclude the competition. The same decision was made by another, and it all came down to the third, who made the identical choice - which meant that the traitor emerged victorious.

According to commentators, the moment where the other players consoled the champion was "beautiful TV". "I predict it could be in the running for outstanding scene at next year's awards," they said.

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

"Such an emotional journey. I was awful at lying, I had no poker face and here I am the champion," he said.

And he even made light of that infamous murder - his close ally during the initial stages - by leaning toward the presenter in the final scene and making contact.

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

The recent episodes of celebrity gossiping, plotting and the occasional surprising incidents may feel like one big crazy jumbled dream. But it really did all happen. It will be remembered fondly.