After weeks of suspense, plots and backstabbing, The Celebrity Traitors has reached a nail-biting end

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

Over the course of the show, viewers witnessed murders, double-crosses, serious side-eye, and an unforgettable incident that pierced the overwhelming tension.

Yet on Thursday night, the final winner of the inaugural celebrity edition emerged triumphant.

Out of 19 contestants, only five were left standing: Traitors and faithfuls competing for the prize.

Before long, the competition tightened to only three contenders: the final players.

Ultimately, funny man Alan Carr was crowned the champion, in a shocking outcome that went viral and made him tearful.

"This has been destroying me, my apologies," he exclaimed, revealing to the remaining faithfuls that he was actually one of the deceivers. "I'm an awful human being."

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

Social media quickly erupted with this development. "The worst deceiver being the best traitor ever," wrote a viewer.

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

The organization he selected, Neuroblastoma UK, will receive the entire winnings, with the final pot reaching £87,500.

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

However, his victory still left the nation in shock, according to industry observers.

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

On subsequent discussions, the other contestants summed up why no one had ever really suspected him.

"Alan could have appeared to breakfast in traitor attire and I still wouldn't have thought he was a traitor. His humor distracted me," one participant said.

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

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

"I'd like to participate once more... 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 all the celebs were aware who'd make it at the morning gathering.

Viewers heard some very uplifting, and very un-Traitors-esque 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 began the competition as something of an anxious mess. I've betrayed close allies under the bus, I've eliminated beloved figures openly. I'm clearly a better liar and traitor than I believed."

Meanwhile, a different player noted that being in the final was "way more stressful than competing with England", while someone else said he was "totally surprised" to have lasted this long.

Early on in the episode, several players seemed to be making a bid to become the fashion standout of the competition, replacing an earlier departed fashionable contestant.

The winner appeared at the morning meal resembling a vintage television personality in patterned burgundy attire, later switching into an embellished light-colored outfit.

But he was out-jacketted by a fellow player's burgundy formal wear. What a look.

Following this was the challenge, with the final players boarding a locomotive called - naturally - The Deceivers' Railway.

The challenge saw them destroying images of former contestants. Have sympathy for one participant who managed to get hit on the head THREE times by the cover of a substantial container.

Before long, it was time for the elimination discussion.

Two traitors did a pinky promise beforehand, vowing to stick together. "We've come a long way, I'm not going to betray him," stated one, while the other simply laughed.

And one did stick to his promise. But, managing to stay under the radar for most of the game, the other 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 feel terrified," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, without direction."

Social media and viewers were similarly upset.

"I hoped against that player to be eliminated. A truly loveable traitor," commented an observer.

"Your legacy will remain in Traitors history," wrote a different viewer.

However, there remained little opportunity to dwell on this departure. Soon, the game reached the final stage - this being the moment everyone anticipated.

The last players stood over the fire pit. Meanwhile, the partnership collapsed, precisely when it mattered the most, in an absolutely shocking development.

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

"It hurts to be betrayed at the final moment in that manner," remarked the eliminated player. Subsequently, it was revealed that if they ever communicate, the eliminated contestant refers to the other as a traitor.

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

A contestant, appearing quite pleased, chose to conclude the game. The same decision was made by another, and everything depended on the final participant, who made the identical choice - which meant that the deceiver emerged victorious.

For observers, the moment where the other players consoled the winner was "beautiful TV". "I predict it will be in the running for memorable moment at next year's awards," they said.

Fortunately, the champion quickly regained composure from his bout of tears, and could finally appreciate the moment.

"Such an emotional journey. I was awful at lying, I had no poker face and now I stand a winner," the winner said.

He also joked about the memorable elimination - his best friend during the initial stages - by reaching over the presenter in the concluding moments and touching her cheek.

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

The last few weeks of famous people scheming, scheming and the occasional surprising incidents may seem like one big crazy jumbled dream. Yet it actually all happen. And we will miss it.