Following multiple episodes of tension, schemes and sabotage, Celebrity Traitors has reached a thrilling end

Warning: spoilers ahead - This article reveals key moments from Celebrity Traitors finale

Over the course of the show, viewers witnessed murders, betrayals, intense glares, and a memorable moment that pierced the overwhelming tension.

Yet on Thursday night, the final winner of the first Celebrity Traitors emerged triumphant.

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

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

In the end, funny man 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 was actually one of the deceivers. "I'm an awful human being."

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

Online platforms quickly erupted with this development. "Most awful traitor ever being the best traitor ever," commented one user.

"It couldn't have been a more iconic ending," stated another, while a third described it as "the TV moment of the year."

His chosen charity, a cancer charity, gets to keep the entire winnings, with the total amount reaching eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

The comedian's evolution from giggle liability to strategic player was one of the standout highlights of the series.

However, his victory still left the nation surprised, as noted by entertainment reporters.

"The idea of Alan, of all people, executing a masterclass in deceit felt just as probable as him maintaining a straight face through his comedy routines."

On subsequent discussions, fellow players explained why no one had ever really suspected him.

"Alan could have come down to breakfast in a green cloak and I still wouldn't have thought he was a traitor. His humor distracted me," one participant said.

"The majority didn't vote for him because how can you eliminate someone who is so charming?" questioned another celebrity.

Carr said he had "thoroughly enjoyed" his experience with the show.

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

The final installment was extended to 70 minutes on television. There was an unusual opening than typical episodes, as all the celebs knew who would appear at the morning gathering.

Viewers heard particularly inspiring, and atypical for the show soundtrack, as we recapped key scenes from each of the finalists' time in the castle.

True to form, Alan Carr provided unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I started this game a bit of a nervous wreck. I've thrown close allies to save myself, I've eliminated national treasures openly. I'm clearly a better liar and traitor than I believed."

Meanwhile, another contestant noted that reaching the conclusion was "way more stressful than playing for a national team", while someone else said he was "totally surprised" to have lasted this long.

In the beginning in the episode, various contestants seemed to be attempting to become the new style icon of the competition, replacing the previously eliminated style leader.

Carr emerged at the morning meal resembling a vintage television personality in a checked maroon suit, before changing into a bejewelled white suit.

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

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

This task involved destroying images of eliminated players. Have sympathy for one participant who managed to get hit in the head multiple times by the lid of a heavy wooden box.

Soon after, the moment arrived for the elimination discussion.

Two traitors made a pact in advance, pledging to support each other. "We've come a long way, I'm not going to throw him under a bus," said one, while their partner just giggled.

And one did stick to their agreement. But, having slipped under the radar for the majority of the competition, the other still got the most votes.

The last deceiver looked like to be experiencing a world of pain to be the last traitor standing. "Being alone, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm unpredictable, without direction."

Online platforms and viewers 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 another user.

But there was little opportunity to dwell on their elimination. Soon, the game reached the endgame - which was what we were really all here for.

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

One contestant was eliminated in dramatic fashion - following a surprising decision from their partner, who turned against them.

"This pains me to be stabbed in the back at the final moment like that," remarked the eliminated player. Later, we learned that if they ever communicate, the eliminated contestant refers to their former ally as a traitor.

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

One player, appearing quite pleased, voted to end the game. The same decision was made by a different player, and it all came down to the third, who made the identical choice - resulting in the traitor was the winner.

According to commentators, the scene where remaining contestants comforted the winner was "compelling television". "I anticipate it could be a contender for outstanding scene at next year's awards," they commented.

Happily, the champion soon recovered from his emotional outburst, and could finally appreciate the moment.

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

He also joked about the memorable elimination - his close ally during the initial stages - by leaning toward the presenter in the concluding moments and making contact.

"There's something on your face," he said, with his characteristic laugh.

The recent episodes of famous people scheming, plotting and sometimes surprising incidents may seem like a bizarre fantasy. But it really did all happen. And we will miss it.