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

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

Over the course of the show, audiences saw murders, double-crosses, serious side-eye, and an unforgettable incident that cut through all tension.

Yet on Thursday night, the ultimate victor of the inaugural celebrity edition emerged triumphant.

From 19 contestants, just a handful remained: Traitors and loyal players competing for the prize.

Soon, the field narrowed to only three contenders: the remaining contestants.

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

"It's been tearing me apart, my apologies," he exclaimed, revealing to the remaining faithfuls that he was actually a traitor. "I feel terrible about this."

"You did brilliantly," they comforted him. "Everything's fine."

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

"There could not have been a more iconic ending," wrote another, while a third described it as "the television highlight of the year."

The organization he selected, a cancer charity, 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 among the most memorable aspects of the series.

However, his victory still shocked viewers in shock, according to entertainment reporters.

"The idea of Alan, among everyone, pulling off a masterclass in deception felt just as probable as him maintaining composure through his comedy routines."

On subsequent discussions, the other contestants summed up why no one had truly doubted him.

"He might have come down to the morning meal in a green cloak and I wouldn't have believed he was deceiving us. I was too busy laughing," one participant said.

"Most people didn't vote for him because how does one eliminate a person so charming?" asked a different contestant.

The winner stated he had "absolutely loved" his time on the program.

"I'd like to participate once more... I don't think it would work a second time!"

Thursday evening's episode was extended to 70 minutes on television. It had a different start than usual, as all the celebs were aware who'd make it at the breakfast table.

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

As ever, the comedian gave us unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I began the competition as something of a nervous wreck. I've thrown some really good friends under the bus, I've murdered beloved figures openly. Apparently I'm a better liar and traitor than I thought."

At the same time, another contestant noted that being in the final was "significantly more pressure than playing for a national team", while another said he was "totally surprised" to have lasted this long.

Early on of the finale, several players seemed to be attempting to become the new style icon of the competition, taking over from an earlier departed style leader.

Carr emerged at breakfast looking like a vintage television personality in a checked maroon suit, later switching into a bejewelled white suit.

However, he got out-jacketted by another contestant's maroon velvet tuxedo. Impressive style.

Next up was the challenge, with the final players boarding a locomotive called - of course - The Deceivers' Railway.

The challenge saw them ripping up images of former contestants. Have sympathy for one participant who was hit in the head multiple times by the lid of a heavy wooden box.

Soon after, the moment arrived for the roundtable.

The deceivers made a pact beforehand, pledging to support each other. "We've come a long way, I'm not going to throw him under a bus," stated a player, while their partner just giggled.

However, one did stick to their agreement. But, managing to stay unnoticed for the majority of the competition, the other still received the majority elimination votes.

The remaining traitor looked like 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, a rudderless ship."

Social media and onlookers were equally disappointed.

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

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

But there was little opportunity to focus on this departure. Soon, they were at the final stage - which was what we were really all here for.

The final four stood over the fire pit. And the alliance broke down, precisely when it mattered the most, in an absolutely shocking development.

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

"It hurts to be stabbed in the back at the final moment in that manner," said the ousted contestant. Subsequently, we learned that if they ever communicate, the betrayed player refers to their former ally as a traitor.

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

A contestant, looking incredibly smug, chose to conclude the competition. So did another, and it all came down to the final participant, who did the same - which meant that the traitor was the winner.

According to commentators, the moment where remaining contestants comforted the winner was "beautiful TV". "I predict it could be a contender for memorable moment at next year's awards," they commented.

Happily, the winner quickly regained composure from his emotional outburst, and was able to enjoy the moment.

"What a rollercoaster. I was awful at lying, I had no poker face and here I am the champion," the winner said.

And he even joked about that infamous murder - his best friend in an early episode - by leaning toward the host in the concluding moments and making contact.

"There's something on your face," he said, with his characteristic laugh.

The last few weeks of famous people scheming, scheming and the occasional unexpected moments may seem like one big crazy jumbled dream. But it really did occur. And we will miss it.