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

Spoiler alert - This article reveals key moments from Celebrity Traitors finale

Throughout the season, viewers witnessed eliminations, betrayals, intense glares, and an unforgettable incident that cut through the overwhelming tension.

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

From 19 contestants, just a handful were left standing: Traitors and faithfuls facing off for the prize.

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

Ultimately, comedian Alan Carr was crowned the champion, in a surprising outcome that went viral and made him tearful.

"It's been tearing me apart, I'm so sorry," he declared, revealing to the remaining faithfuls that he was actually a traitor. "I'm an awful human being."

"You played amazingly," they consoled him. "It's all right."

Online platforms quickly erupted with the news. "Most awful traitor ever being the best traitor ever," wrote a viewer.

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

The organization he selected, a cancer charity, gets to keep the entire winnings, with the total amount reaching eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

The comedian's evolution from comic relief to strategic player was one of the standout highlights of the season.

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

"The thought of him, among everyone, executing a masterclass in deception felt about as likely as him keeping a straight face through his comedy routines."

During follow-up conversations, fellow players summed up the reasons nobody had ever really suspected him.

"He might have appeared to breakfast in a green cloak and I still wouldn't have thought he was deceiving us. His humor distracted me," one participant said.

"Most people didn't target him because how can you eliminate a person so loveable?" questioned a different contestant.

The winner stated he had "absolutely loved" his experience with the program.

"I'd like to do it again... I doubt it would work again!"

The final installment was lengthened to 70 minutes on television. There was a different start than usual, as all the celebs knew who'd make it at the breakfast table.

There was some very uplifting, and very un-Traitors-esque music, as the episode revisited some moments from every remaining player's experience in the game.

As ever, the comedian provided unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I started the competition as something of an anxious mess. I've thrown some really good friends under the bus, I've murdered national treasures openly. Apparently I'm more deceptive and traitor than I thought."

Meanwhile, another contestant noted that reaching the conclusion was "way more stressful than competing with a national team", while someone else said he was "completely amazed" to have lasted this long.

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

The winner appeared at breakfast resembling a vintage television personality in patterned burgundy attire, later switching into a bejewelled white suit.

But he was out-jacketted by a fellow player's maroon velvet tuxedo. What a look.

Following this was the challenge, with the remaining contestants getting on board a train named - naturally - The Deceivers' Railway.

The challenge involved destroying images of former contestants. Spare a thought for a player who was hit in the head multiple times by the cover of a substantial container.

Soon after, the moment arrived for the elimination discussion.

Two traitors made a pact in advance, pledging to support each other. "We've progressed significantly, I won't throw him under a bus," said a player, while their partner simply laughed.

And one did stick to their agreement. But, having slipped under the radar for most of the game, the other still got the most votes.

The last deceiver appeared he was in a world of pain to be the final deceiver remaining. "Now I'm on my own, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm unpredictable, without direction."

Social media and onlookers were similarly upset.

"I hoped against this contestant to be eliminated. An endearing deceiver," commented an observer.

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

But there was little opportunity to focus on their elimination. Before long, they were at the endgame - which was what we were really all here for.

The last players stood over the ceremonial fire. Meanwhile, the partnership collapsed, just when it was most crucial, in an absolutely shocking development.

One contestant was painfully banished - following a surprising decision from their partner, who betrayed them.

"It hurts to be stabbed in the back last minute in that manner," said the eliminated player. Later, it was revealed that when they message, the betrayed player refers to their former ally by a betrayer's name.

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

One player, looking incredibly smug, voted to end the competition. The same decision was made by a different player, and everything depended on the final participant, who made the identical choice - resulting in the deceiver emerged victorious.

According to commentators, the moment where remaining contestants consoled the champion was "beautiful TV". "I anticipate it will be a contender for memorable moment at television honors," they said.

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

"Such an emotional journey. I thought I was terrible at deception, my expressions gave me away and here I am the champion," the winner said.

And he even made light of that infamous murder - his close ally in an early episode - by reaching over the presenter in the final scene and touching her cheek.

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

The last few weeks of celebrity gossiping, plotting and the occasional unexpected moments may seem like a bizarre fantasy. Yet it actually all happen. It will be remembered fondly.