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

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

Throughout the season, audiences saw murders, double-crosses, serious side-eye, and a memorable moment that pierced all tension.

However on Thursday night, the final winner of the first Celebrity Traitors emerged triumphant.

From nineteen participants, only five remained: Traitors and loyal players facing off for the winnings.

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

Ultimately, funny man Alan Carr was crowned the champion, in a shocking outcome that broke the internet and left him emotional.

"This has been destroying me, I'm so sorry," he exclaimed, admitting to the other players that he was actually a traitor. "I'm an awful human being."

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

Online platforms immediately exploded with the news. "Most awful traitor ever being the best traitor ever," commented one user.

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

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

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

"The idea of Alan, among everyone, executing a masterclass in deceit felt just as probable as him keeping composure through one of his own punchlines."

During follow-up conversations, the other contestants explained why no one had truly doubted him.

"He might have come down to breakfast in traitor attire and I wouldn't have believed he was a traitor. His humor distracted me," one participant said.

"Most people didn't vote for him because how can you vote for a person so charming?" asked another celebrity.

The winner stated he had "thoroughly enjoyed" his experience with the show.

"I want to do it again... I don't think it would work a second time!"

Thursday evening's episode was extended to over an hour on the network. It had an unusual opening than usual, as every celebrity were aware who would appear at the breakfast table.

There was some very uplifting, and very un-Traitors-esque music, as we recapped some moments from each of the finalists' time in the castle.

True to form, Alan Carr provided 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 eliminated national treasures openly. Apparently I'm more deceptive and traitor than I thought."

At the same time, a different player commented that reaching the conclusion was "significantly more pressure than playing for England", while another said he was "completely amazed" to have lasted this long.

In the beginning of the finale, several players seemed to be making a bid to become the fashion standout of the castle, replacing 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 another contestant's maroon velvet tuxedo. Impressive style.

Following this was the competition, with the final players boarding a locomotive called - of course - The Deceivers' Railway.

The challenge involved ripping up images of eliminated players. Spare a thought for one participant who was hit on the head THREE times by the lid of a substantial container.

Before long, it was time for the roundtable.

The deceivers made a pact in advance, pledging to support each other. "We've progressed significantly, I'm not going to betray him," stated a player, while their partner simply laughed.

And one did stick to their agreement. But, having slipped unnoticed for the majority of the competition, their partner still received the majority elimination votes.

The remaining traitor appeared to be experiencing a world of pain to be the last traitor standing. "Now I'm on my own, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm unpredictable, without direction."

Online platforms and onlookers were similarly upset.

"I did NOT want that player to be eliminated. An endearing deceiver," commented a commentator.

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

But there was little opportunity to focus on their elimination. Before long, the game reached the final stage - this being the moment everyone anticipated.

The last players stood over the ceremonial fire. Meanwhile, the partnership broke down, just when it mattered the most, in a truly WTF moment.

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

"This pains me to be stabbed in the back last minute in that manner," said the eliminated player. Later, it was revealed that if they ever communicate, the betrayed player calls the other by a betrayer's name.

Ultimately, only three contestants remained in the game: the last participants.

One player, looking incredibly smug, voted to end the game. So did another, and everything depended on the final participant, who did the same - which meant that the deceiver was the winner.

According to commentators, the scene where remaining contestants comforted the champion was "beautiful TV". "I anticipate it will be in the running for memorable moment at television honors," they commented.

Fortunately, the winner soon recovered from his bout of tears, and could finally appreciate the moment.

"Such an emotional journey. I thought I was terrible at deception, my expressions gave me away and now I stand a winner," he said.

He also joked about that infamous murder - his close ally during the initial stages - by leaning toward the presenter in the concluding moments and touching her cheek.

"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 a bizarre fantasy. Yet it actually all happen. And we will miss it.