Following multiple episodes of tension, schemes and backstabbing, Celebrity Traitors concludes with a thrilling end

Spoiler alert - This article reveals key moments from The Celebrity Traitors finale

Over the course of the show, viewers witnessed eliminations, double-crosses, intense glares, and an unforgettable incident that cut through all tension.

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

From nineteen participants, just a handful were left standing: Traitors and faithfuls competing for the winnings.

Before long, the field narrowed to just three: the final players.

Ultimately, comedian Alan Carr was crowned the winner, in a shocking result that broke the internet and left him emotional.

"It's been tearing me apart, my apologies," he declared, revealing to the remaining faithfuls that he'd always been a traitor. "I'm an awful human being."

"You did brilliantly," they comforted him. "It's all right."

Social media immediately exploded with this development. "The worst deceiver being the best traitor ever," commented one user.

"It couldn't have been a more iconic ending," wrote 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 reaching £87,500.

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

But his win still left the nation surprised, as noted by industry observers.

"The thought of him, of all people, pulling off an expert performance in deception felt just as probable as him keeping composure through his comedy routines."

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

"Alan could have come down to the morning meal in a green cloak and I still wouldn't have thought he was a traitor. I was too busy laughing," one participant said.

"The majority didn't vote for him because how does one vote for a person so loveable?" questioned another celebrity.

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

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

Thursday evening's episode was lengthened to over an hour on television. There was a different start than usual, as all the celebs were aware who'd make it at the morning gathering.

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

True to form, Alan Carr gave us unforgettable quotes.

"Let's face it, I started this game a bit of a nervous wreck. I've betrayed close allies to save myself, I've eliminated beloved figures openly. Apparently I'm more deceptive and traitor than I thought."

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

In the beginning in the episode, several players seemed to be attempting to become the fashion standout of the competition, replacing the previously eliminated fashionable contestant.

Carr emerged at the morning meal looking like a 1950s US chat show host in patterned burgundy attire, before changing into an embellished light-colored outfit.

However, he got out-jacketted by another contestant's maroon velvet tuxedo. What a look.

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

The challenge involved destroying portraits of eliminated players. Have sympathy for one participant who managed to get hit on the head multiple times by the lid of a substantial container.

Before long, the moment arrived for the elimination discussion.

The deceivers did a pinky promise beforehand, pledging to support each other. "We've come a long way, I'm not going to betray him," said a player, while their partner just giggled.

However, one adhered to his promise. But, having slipped under the radar for most of the game, the other still got the most votes.

The remaining traitor looked like to be experiencing a world of pain to be the last traitor standing. "Now I'm on my own, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, a rudderless ship."

Social media and onlookers were equally disappointed.

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

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

But there was no time to focus on their elimination. Soon, the game reached the endgame - this being the moment everyone anticipated.

The last players gathered around the fire pit. Meanwhile, the partnership broke down, just 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 stabbed in the back last minute in that manner," said the eliminated player. Subsequently, it was revealed that if they ever communicate, the betrayed player calls the other as a traitor.

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

A contestant, looking incredibly smug, chose to conclude the game. So did a different player, and everything depended on the third, who made the identical choice - resulting in the deceiver was the winner.

According to commentators, the moment where the other players comforted the champion was "beautiful TV". "I anticipate it will be a contender for memorable moment at next year's awards," they commented.

Fortunately, the winner quickly regained composure from his bout of tears, and could finally appreciate the moment.

"Such an emotional journey. I thought I was terrible at deception, my expressions gave me away and here I am a winner," the winner said.

He also made light of 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 last few weeks of celebrity gossiping, plotting and sometimes surprising incidents may seem like one big crazy jumbled dream. Yet it actually all happen. It will be remembered fondly.