After multiple episodes of suspense, plots and backstabbing, Celebrity Traitors has reached a thrilling end

Spoiler alert - This piece reveals details from Celebrity Traitors finale

Over the course of the show, viewers witnessed eliminations, betrayals, serious side-eye, and an unforgettable incident that pierced all tension.

Yet on the final evening, the final winner of the first celebrity edition was revealed.

From nineteen participants, just a handful remained: Traitors and faithfuls competing for the prize.

Before long, the field narrowed to just three: the remaining contestants.

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

"This has been destroying me, my apologies," he declared, admitting to the remaining faithfuls that he'd always been a traitor. "I'm an awful human being."

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

Social media immediately exploded with the news. "The worst deceiver being the most effective player," wrote one user.

"It couldn't have been a better conclusion," wrote a different person, while someone else called it "the TV moment of the year."

The organization he selected, a cancer charity, will receive the entire winnings, with the final pot reaching £87,500.

The comedian's evolution from giggle liability to strategic player was among the most memorable aspects of the series.

However, his victory still left the nation surprised, according to entertainment reporters.

"The idea of Alan, among everyone, executing a masterclass in deceit felt about as likely as him maintaining a straight face through his comedy routines."

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

"He might have appeared to breakfast in traitor attire and I still wouldn't have thought he was a traitor. His humor distracted me," a player said.

"The majority didn't vote for him because how can you vote for someone who is so charming?" questioned another celebrity.

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

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

Thursday evening's installment was lengthened to 70 minutes on television. It had a different start than usual, as all the celebs knew who'd make it at the morning gathering.

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

True to form, the comedian gave us some of the most memorable lines.

"To be honest, I began this game as something of an anxious mess. I've betrayed some really good friends under the bus, I've murdered national treasures openly. I'm clearly more deceptive and player than I believed."

Meanwhile, another contestant commented that being in the final was "significantly more pressure than playing for England", while another said he was "totally surprised" to have lasted this long.

In the beginning in the episode, various contestants seemed to be attempting to become the fashion standout of the competition, taking over from an earlier departed style leader.

Carr emerged at the morning meal resembling a 1950s US chat show host in patterned burgundy attire, later switching into an embellished light-colored outfit.

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

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

This task involved ripping up portraits of eliminated players. Spare a thought for a player who was hit on the head THREE times by the cover of a heavy wooden box.

Soon after, the moment arrived for the elimination discussion.

Two traitors did a pinky promise in advance, pledging to support each other. "We've progressed significantly, I won't betray him," said a player, while the other just giggled.

And one adhered to their agreement. But, managing to stay unnoticed for most of the game, their partner still got the most votes.

The remaining traitor looked like he was in 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 viewers were equally disappointed.

"I did NOT want that player to be eliminated. A truly loveable traitor," said a commentator.

"You will forever be remembered in Traitors history," wrote another user.

But there was little opportunity to focus on their elimination. Soon, the game reached the final stage - this being what we were really all here for.

The final four gathered around the ceremonial fire. And the alliance collapsed, precisely when it was most crucial, in a truly WTF moment.

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

"This pains me to be betrayed last minute in that manner," remarked the eliminated player. Subsequently, it was revealed that when they message, the betrayed player refers to their former ally as a traitor.

Finally, just three players were still competing: the final trio.

A contestant, appearing quite pleased, voted to end the competition. The same decision was made by a different player, and everything depended on the third, who made the identical choice - resulting in the deceiver was the winner.

According to commentators, the scene where remaining contestants comforted the winner was "compelling television". "I predict it could be in the running for memorable moment at next year's awards," they commented.

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

"Such an emotional journey. I was awful at lying, my expressions gave me away and now I stand the champion," he said.

And he even joked about that infamous murder - his close ally in an early episode - by reaching over the host in the final scene and touching her cheek.

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

The last few weeks of celebrity gossiping, plotting and the occasional surprising incidents may seem like a bizarre fantasy. Yet it actually all happen. And we will miss it.