After multiple episodes of suspense, plots and backstabbing, Celebrity Traitors concludes with a nail-biting finale

Warning: spoilers ahead - This piece discloses details from The Celebrity Traitors finale

Throughout the season, audiences saw murders, betrayals, serious side-eye, and an unforgettable incident that cut through all tension.

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

From nineteen participants, only five remained: Deceivers and loyal players competing for the prize.

Before long, the competition tightened to only three contenders: the remaining contestants.

Ultimately, funny man Alan Carr was crowned the champion, in a surprising result that broke the internet and made him tearful.

"It's been tearing me apart, my apologies," he exclaimed, admitting to the other players that he'd always been a traitor. "I'm an awful human being."

"You played amazingly," they comforted him. "It's all right."

Social media immediately exploded with the news. "Most awful traitor ever being the most effective player," commented a viewer.

"There could not have been a more iconic ending," stated a different person, while a third described it as "the TV moment of the year."

His chosen charity, a cancer charity, will receive all the prize money, with the final pot 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 left the nation surprised, as noted by entertainment reporters.

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

During follow-up conversations, the other contestants summed up the reasons nobody had truly doubted him.

"Alan could have come down to breakfast in traitor attire and I wouldn't have believed he was a traitor. I was too busy laughing," one participant said.

"Most people didn't vote for him because how can you eliminate a person so charming?" asked another celebrity.

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

"I want to participate once more... I doubt it would be successful again!"

Thursday evening's installment was extended to 70 minutes on television. It had a different start than usual, as all the celebs knew who would appear at the breakfast table.

Viewers heard particularly inspiring, and very un-Traitors-esque soundtrack, as we recapped key scenes from each of the finalists' experience in the game.

As ever, Alan Carr provided some of the most memorable lines.

"Let's face it, I started this game a bit of a nervous wreck. I've thrown some really good friends to save myself, I've murdered national treasures openly. Apparently I'm a better liar and traitor than I believed."

At the same time, another contestant commented that reaching the conclusion was "way more stressful than competing with England", while another said he was "completely amazed" to have made it so far.

In the beginning of the finale, several players seemed to be attempting to become the fashion standout of the competition, replacing the previously eliminated style leader.

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

However, he got out-jacketted by another contestant's burgundy formal wear. Impressive style.

Next up was the competition, with the remaining contestants getting on board a train named - of course - The Deceivers' Railway.

This task involved ripping up portraits of eliminated players. Have sympathy for one participant who was hit in the head multiple times by the lid of a heavy wooden box.

Before long, it was time for the elimination discussion.

Two traitors did a pinky promise beforehand, pledging to stick together. "We've progressed significantly, I'm not going to betray him," said one, while their partner simply laughed.

And one did stick to his promise. But, having slipped unnoticed for most of the game, the other still got the most votes.

The last deceiver looked like he was in significant distress to be the last traitor standing. "Being alone, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm unpredictable, without direction."

Social media and onlookers were similarly upset.

"I did NOT want that player to be banished. A truly loveable traitor," said an observer.

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

But there was no time to focus on their elimination. Soon, they were at the endgame - which was the moment everyone anticipated.

The final four stood over the ceremonial fire. And the alliance broke down, precisely when it was most crucial, in a truly WTF moment.

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

"It hurts to be betrayed at the final moment in that manner," said the ousted contestant. Subsequently, it was revealed that if they ever communicate, the betrayed player refers to the other by a betrayer's name.

Finally, only three contestants remained in the game: the final trio.

One player, looking incredibly smug, chose to conclude the game. So did another, and everything depended on the third, who did the same - which meant that the deceiver emerged victorious.

For observers, the scene where remaining contestants comforted the winner was "beautiful TV". "I predict it could be a contender for memorable moment at television honors," they said.

Happily, the winner quickly regained composure from his emotional outburst, and could finally appreciate the moment.

"What a rollercoaster. I thought I was terrible at deception, my expressions gave me away and now I stand the champion," he said.

And he even made light of that infamous murder - his close ally in an early episode - by leaning toward the host in the concluding moments and touching her cheek.

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

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