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

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

Over the course of the show, viewers witnessed eliminations, double-crosses, intense glares, and a memorable moment that cut through all tension.

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

Out of 19 contestants, only five remained: Traitors and loyal players competing for the winnings.

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

In the end, comedian Alan Carr emerged as the winner, in a shocking result that broke the internet and made him tearful.

"This has been destroying me, I'm so sorry," he declared, revealing to the other players that he'd always been one of the deceivers. "I'm an awful human being."

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

Social media quickly erupted with this development. "Most awful traitor ever being the most effective player," commented a viewer.

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

His chosen charity, a cancer charity, will receive the entire winnings, with the final pot amounting to eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

The comedian's evolution from comic relief to cold-hearted killer was among the most memorable aspects of the series.

But his win still left the nation in shock, according to industry observers.

"The thought of him, of all people, pulling off a masterclass in deceit felt about as likely as him maintaining composure through one of his own punchlines."

During follow-up conversations, fellow players explained why no one had ever really suspected him.

"Alan could have come down to the morning meal in traitor attire and I wouldn't have believed he was deceiving us. I was too busy laughing," a player said.

"Most people didn't vote for him because how does one eliminate a person so charming?" questioned another celebrity.

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

"I want to do it again... I doubt it would be successful a second time!"

The final episode was lengthened to over an hour on television. There was an unusual opening than typical episodes, as all the celebs were aware who'd make it at the breakfast table.

There was some very uplifting, and very un-Traitors-esque soundtrack, as the episode revisited key scenes from every remaining player's experience in the game.

True to form, the comedian gave us unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I began this game as something of a nervous wreck. I've thrown close allies under the bus, I've eliminated national treasures in plain sight. Apparently I'm more deceptive and traitor than I believed."

At the same time, another contestant noted that being in the final was "significantly more pressure than competing with England", while someone else said he was "totally surprised" to have made it so far.

In the beginning in the episode, several players appeared to be attempting to become the new style icon of the castle, taking over from the previously eliminated style leader.

The winner appeared at breakfast looking like a vintage television personality in a checked maroon suit, before changing into a bejewelled white suit.

But he was out-jacketted by a fellow player's burgundy formal wear. Impressive style.

Next up was the challenge, with the final players getting on board a train named - of course - The Deceivers' Railway.

This task involved ripping up images of former contestants. Spare a thought for a player who managed to get hit in the head THREE times by the cover of a substantial container.

Soon after, it was time for the roundtable.

The deceivers did a pinky promise in advance, pledging to stick together. "We've progressed significantly, I won't throw him under a bus," stated a player, while their partner simply laughed.

And one adhered to his promise. But, having slipped unnoticed for the majority of the competition, the other still got the most votes.

The remaining traitor looked like he was in significant distress to be the final deceiver remaining. "Now I'm on my own, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, a rudderless ship."

Social media and onlookers were similarly upset.

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

"You will forever be remembered in the show's legacy," posted a different viewer.

However, there remained little opportunity to focus on this departure. Before long, they were at the endgame - this being what we were really all here for.

The last players stood over the fire pit. Meanwhile, the partnership broke down, just when it was most crucial, in an absolutely shocking development.

A player was eliminated in dramatic fashion - after a shock vote from their partner, who turned against them.

"It hurts to be betrayed last minute like that," remarked the eliminated player. Subsequently, it was revealed that when they message, the eliminated contestant refers to their former ally as a traitor.

Finally, just three players remained in the game: the final trio.

One player, looking incredibly smug, voted to end the competition. The same decision was made by another, and everything depended on the final participant, who did the same - which meant that the deceiver emerged victorious.

According to commentators, the moment where the other players comforted the champion was "compelling television". "I anticipate it could be in the running for outstanding scene at television honors," they commented.

Happily, the winner soon recovered from his emotional outburst, and could finally appreciate his victory.

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

He also made light of the memorable elimination - his best friend in an early episode - by reaching over the presenter in the final scene and touching her cheek.

"There's something on your face," he said, with his trademark giggle.

The last few weeks of celebrity gossiping, plotting and the occasional unexpected moments may feel like one big crazy jumbled dream. But it really did all happen. And we will miss it.