Following multiple episodes of tension, plots and backstabbing, Celebrity Traitors concludes with a nail-biting end

Spoiler alert - This piece reveals details from The Celebrity Traitors finale

Throughout the season, viewers witnessed eliminations, betrayals, serious side-eye, and an unforgettable incident that pierced the overwhelming tension.

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

Out of 19 contestants, only five were left standing: Deceivers and loyal players facing off for the prize.

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

Ultimately, comedian Alan Carr was crowned the winner, in a shocking result that went viral and made him tearful.

"It's been tearing me apart, I'm so sorry," he exclaimed, revealing to the remaining faithfuls that he'd always been one of the deceivers. "I feel terrible about this."

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

Social media quickly erupted with the news. "The worst deceiver being the best traitor ever," commented a viewer.

"There could not have been a better conclusion," stated another, while someone else described it as "the television highlight of the year."

His chosen charity, a cancer charity, will receive all the prize money, with the total amount reaching eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

Alan Carr's transformation from giggle liability to strategic player was one of the standout highlights of the season.

But his win still shocked viewers surprised, as noted by entertainment reporters.

"The thought of him, of all people, pulling off an expert performance in deceit felt about as likely as him keeping a straight face through one of his own punchlines."

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

"He might have come down to the morning meal in traitor attire and I wouldn't have believed he was deceiving us. His humor distracted me," one participant said.

"Most people didn't vote for him because how can you eliminate someone who is so charming?" questioned a different contestant.

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

"I want to participate once more... I doubt it would work a second time!"

The final installment was lengthened to over an hour on television. It had an unusual opening than usual, as every celebrity knew who'd make it at the breakfast table.

Viewers heard some very uplifting, and very un-Traitors-esque soundtrack, as we recapped key scenes from every remaining player's experience in the game.

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

"Let's face it, I began this game a bit of a nervous wreck. I've betrayed close allies to save myself, I've murdered beloved figures in plain sight. Apparently I'm a better liar and player than I thought."

Meanwhile, another contestant commented that being in the final was "significantly more pressure than competing with a national team", while someone else said he was "totally surprised" to have lasted this long.

In the beginning of the finale, various contestants seemed to be attempting to become the new style icon of the castle, taking over from an earlier departed style leader.

Carr emerged at breakfast looking like a 1950s US chat show host in patterned burgundy attire, later switching into an embellished light-colored outfit.

However, he got outstyled by another contestant's burgundy formal wear. What a look.

Next up was the competition, with the final players getting on board a train named - of course - The Traitors Express.

This task saw them ripping up portraits of former contestants. Spare a thought for one participant who managed to get hit in the head multiple times by the cover of a heavy wooden box.

Soon after, the moment arrived for the roundtable.

The deceivers did a pinky promise beforehand, pledging to stick together. "We've come a long way, I won't throw him under a bus," said a player, while the other simply laughed.

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

The last deceiver appeared to be experiencing significant distress to be the last traitor standing. "Being alone, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, without direction."

Social media and viewers were equally disappointed.

"I hoped against this contestant to be banished. An endearing deceiver," said a commentator.

"You will forever be remembered in the show's legacy," posted another user.

But there was no time to focus on this departure. Soon, they were at the final stage - this being what we were really all here for.

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 - after a shock vote from their partner, who turned against them.

"It hurts to be stabbed in the back at the final moment in that manner," said the eliminated player. Subsequently, we learned that if they ever communicate, the eliminated contestant calls the other by a betrayer's name.

Finally, only three contestants were still competing: the final trio.

A contestant, looking incredibly smug, voted to end the game. So did another, and it all came down to the final participant, who made the identical choice - which meant that the deceiver was the winner.

For observers, the moment where the other players comforted the champion was "compelling television". "I predict it will be a contender for memorable moment at next year's awards," they commented.

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

"Such an emotional journey. I was awful at lying, I had no poker face and here I am the champion," the winner said.

He also joked about the memorable elimination - his best friend during the initial stages - 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 recent episodes of celebrity gossiping, plotting and the occasional unexpected moments may feel like one big crazy jumbled dream. But it really did occur. And we will miss it.