Following multiple episodes of tension, plots and sabotage, Celebrity Traitors has reached a nail-biting end

Warning: spoilers ahead - This piece discloses key moments from Celebrity Traitors finale

Over the course of the show, audiences saw murders, betrayals, intense glares, and a memorable moment that pierced all tension.

However on the final evening, the final winner of the inaugural celebrity edition was revealed.

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

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

In the end, comedian Alan Carr emerged as the winner, in a shocking outcome that broke the internet and left him emotional.

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

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

Online platforms immediately exploded with this development. "Most awful traitor ever being the most effective player," commented one user.

"It couldn't have been a better conclusion," stated a different person, while someone else called it "the television highlight of the year."

The organization he selected, Neuroblastoma UK, gets to keep all the prize money, with the final pot reaching eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

Alan Carr's transformation from giggle liability to cold-hearted killer was among the most memorable aspects of the season.

But his win still left the nation surprised, as noted by entertainment reporters.

"The idea of Alan, among everyone, pulling off an expert performance in deceit felt just as probable as him maintaining a straight face through one of his own punchlines."

During follow-up conversations, fellow players summed up why no one had ever really suspected him.

"He might have appeared to the morning meal 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 target him because how does one eliminate someone who is so charming?" asked another celebrity.

The winner stated he had "thoroughly enjoyed" his time on the show.

"I want to participate once more... I doubt it would work a second time!"

Thursday evening's installment was lengthened to 70 minutes on television. There was an unusual opening than typical episodes, as every celebrity were aware who would appear at the breakfast table.

There was particularly inspiring, and atypical for the show music, as we recapped some moments from every remaining player's time in the castle.

As ever, Alan Carr provided unforgettable quotes.

"Let's face it, I started this game a bit of an anxious mess. I've thrown some really good friends to save myself, I've murdered beloved figures openly. Apparently I'm a better liar and player than I thought."

Meanwhile, a different player commented that being in the final was "significantly more pressure than competing with England", while another said he was "totally surprised" to have made it so far.

Early on in the episode, several players appeared to be attempting to become the new style icon of the castle, replacing the previously eliminated style leader.

The winner appeared at the morning meal looking like a 1950s US chat show host in a checked maroon suit, before changing into an embellished light-colored outfit.

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

Following this was the challenge, with the remaining contestants boarding a train named - of course - The Traitors Express.

The challenge saw them ripping up portraits of former contestants. Spare a thought for a player who was hit in the head multiple times by the lid of a heavy wooden box.

Soon after, it was time for the roundtable.

The deceivers did a pinky promise in advance, vowing to stick together. "We've come a long way, I won't betray him," said one, while the other just giggled.

And one adhered to their agreement. Yet, having slipped under the radar for the majority of the competition, the other still got the most votes.

The last deceiver looked like to be experiencing significant distress to be the final deceiver remaining. "Being alone, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, a rudderless ship."

Online platforms and onlookers were similarly upset.

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

"You will forever be remembered in the show's legacy," wrote a different viewer.

But there was no time to focus on their elimination. Before long, the game reached the final stage - which was what we were really all here for.

The last players stood over the fire pit. And the alliance broke down, precisely 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 turned against them.

"It hurts to be betrayed at the final moment in that manner," said the ousted contestant. Subsequently, we learned that when they message, the betrayed player refers to their former ally by a betrayer's name.

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

A contestant, looking incredibly smug, voted to end the game. So did another, and it all came down to the final participant, who made the identical choice - resulting in the traitor was the winner.

For observers, the moment where remaining contestants comforted the champion was "beautiful TV". "I predict it could be a contender for outstanding scene at television honors," they commented.

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

"What a rollercoaster. I was awful at lying, my expressions gave me away and now I stand a winner," 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 touching her cheek.

"You've got 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 a bizarre fantasy. But it really did all happen. It will be remembered fondly.