After multiple episodes of tension, plots and sabotage, Celebrity Traitors has reached a nail-biting finale

Spoiler alert - This piece reveals key moments from Celebrity Traitors finale

Over the course of the show, audiences saw murders, betrayals, intense glares, and a memorable moment that cut through all tension.

However on Thursday night, the ultimate victor of the inaugural Celebrity Traitors emerged triumphant.

Out of 19 contestants, just a handful were left standing: Traitors and faithfuls competing for the winnings.

Soon, the competition tightened to just three: the remaining contestants.

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

"This has been destroying me, I'm so sorry," he exclaimed, admitting to the remaining faithfuls that he'd always been one of the deceivers. "I feel terrible about this."

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

Social media immediately exploded with this development. "Most awful traitor ever being the best traitor ever," commented a viewer.

"It couldn't have been a better conclusion," stated another, while a third described it as "the television highlight of the year."

The organization he selected, a cancer charity, will receive the entire winnings, with the total amount amounting to eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

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

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

"The thought of him, among everyone, executing an expert performance in deception felt about as likely as him keeping composure through one of his own punchlines."

During follow-up conversations, fellow players explained the reasons nobody had truly doubted him.

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

"Most people didn't target 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'd like to do it again... I doubt it would be successful a second time!"

Thursday evening's installment was extended to over an hour on the network. There was an unusual opening than usual, as all the celebs were aware who'd make it at the breakfast table.

Viewers heard some very uplifting, and atypical for the show music, as we recapped some moments from every remaining player's time in the castle.

True to form, the comedian provided unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I began the competition a bit of an anxious mess. I've thrown close allies under the bus, I've eliminated beloved figures in plain sight. I'm clearly more deceptive and player than I believed."

At the same time, a different player noted that reaching the conclusion was "way more stressful than playing for England", while someone else said he was "completely amazed" to have made it so far.

Early on of the finale, various contestants seemed to be attempting to become the fashion standout of the castle, replacing the previously eliminated style leader.

The winner appeared at the morning meal looking like a vintage television personality in a checked maroon suit, before changing into an embellished light-colored outfit.

But he was outstyled by another contestant's maroon velvet tuxedo. What a look.

Following this was the challenge, with the final players getting on board a locomotive called - of course - The Traitors Express.

The challenge saw them destroying portraits of former contestants. Spare a thought for a player who managed to get hit on the head THREE times by the lid of a heavy wooden box.

Soon after, it was time for the elimination discussion.

The deceivers did a pinky promise beforehand, vowing to stick together. "We've progressed significantly, I won't throw him under a bus," said one, while their partner just giggled.

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

The last deceiver looked like he was in a world of pain to be the final deceiver remaining. "Being alone, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm unpredictable, a rudderless ship."

Social media and onlookers were equally disappointed.

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

"Your legacy will remain in the show's legacy," posted a different viewer.

But there was no time to focus on this departure. Before long, the game reached the endgame - which was the moment everyone anticipated.

The final four gathered around the fire pit. Meanwhile, the partnership broke down, just when it was most crucial, in a truly WTF moment.

A player was painfully banished - after a shock vote from their partner, who turned against them.

"It hurts to be betrayed at the final moment like that," said the ousted contestant. Later, we learned that if they ever communicate, the betrayed player calls their former ally as a traitor.

Finally, just three players remained in the game: the last participants.

A contestant, looking incredibly smug, voted to end the competition. The same decision was made by a different player, and everything depended on the final participant, who made the identical choice - resulting in the traitor emerged victorious.

According to commentators, the scene where remaining contestants comforted the winner was "beautiful TV". "I anticipate it could be a contender for memorable moment at television honors," they commented.

Happily, the champion soon recovered 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," he said.

And he even joked about that infamous murder - his best friend during the initial stages - by reaching over the host in the final scene and making contact.

"You've got something on your face," he said, with his characteristic laugh.

The recent episodes of celebrity gossiping, scheming and sometimes surprising incidents may seem like a bizarre fantasy. Yet it actually occur. It will be remembered fondly.