Following multiple episodes of suspense, plots and backstabbing, The Celebrity Traitors has reached a nail-biting end

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

Over the course of the show, viewers witnessed eliminations, betrayals, serious side-eye, and an unforgettable incident that pierced all tension.

However on Thursday night, the ultimate victor of the first Celebrity Traitors was revealed.

From 19 contestants, just a handful were left standing: Traitors and loyal players facing off for the prize.

Soon, the competition tightened to only three contenders: the final players.

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

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

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

Online platforms immediately exploded with the news. "The worst deceiver being the most effective player," commented a viewer.

"It couldn't have been a more iconic ending," wrote another, while someone else called it "the television highlight of the year."

The organization he selected, a cancer charity, will receive all the prize money, with the total amount reaching £87,500.

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

However, his victory still shocked viewers in shock, according to industry observers.

"The idea of Alan, of all people, pulling off an expert performance in deceit felt just as probable as him maintaining composure through one of his own punchlines."

During follow-up conversations, fellow players explained the reasons nobody had ever really suspected him.

"Alan could have come down to the morning meal in traitor attire 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 vote for someone who is so charming?" asked a different contestant.

The winner stated he had "thoroughly enjoyed" his experience with the program.

"I'd like to participate once more... I doubt it would be successful a second time!"

The final installment was extended to over an hour on the network. It had a different start than usual, as every celebrity were aware who would appear at the breakfast table.

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

True to form, Alan Carr provided some of the most memorable lines.

"Let's face it, I began this game as something of a nervous wreck. I've thrown some really good friends to save myself, I've murdered beloved figures openly. Apparently I'm more deceptive and player than I believed."

Meanwhile, a different player noted that reaching the conclusion was "significantly more pressure than playing for a national team", while another said he was "totally surprised" to have lasted this long.

Early on in the episode, various contestants appeared to be attempting to become the new style icon of the castle, 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.

But he was outstyled by a fellow player's maroon velvet tuxedo. Impressive style.

Following this was the competition, with the remaining contestants boarding a train named - naturally - The Traitors Express.

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

Soon after, it was time for the elimination discussion.

The deceivers made a pact beforehand, vowing to support each other. "We've come a long way, I'm not going to throw him under a bus," said a player, while the other simply laughed.

And one did stick to their agreement. Yet, having slipped unnoticed for most of the game, the other still got the most votes.

The last deceiver looked like to be experiencing significant distress to be the final deceiver remaining. "Now I'm on my own, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, without direction."

Social media and onlookers were equally disappointed.

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

"You will forever be remembered in Traitors history," wrote a different viewer.

But there was little opportunity to focus on this departure. Before long, the game reached the endgame - this being the moment everyone anticipated.

The final four stood over the fire pit. Meanwhile, the partnership broke down, precisely when it mattered the most, in a truly WTF moment.

One contestant was painfully banished - after a shock vote from their partner, who betrayed them.

"It hurts to be betrayed last minute in that manner," said the ousted contestant. Subsequently, we learned that if they ever communicate, the betrayed player refers to their former ally as a traitor.

Finally, just three players were still competing: the final trio.

A contestant, appearing quite pleased, voted to end the competition. The same decision was made by another, and everything depended on the third, who made the identical choice - resulting in the traitor emerged victorious.

For observers, the moment where the other players comforted the champion was "beautiful TV". "I anticipate it could be in the running for outstanding scene at next year's awards," they said.

Happily, the winner soon recovered from his bout of tears, and was able to enjoy his victory.

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

And he even made light of that infamous murder - his best friend in an early episode - by leaning toward the host in the final scene and making contact.

"You've got something on your face," he said, with his trademark giggle.

The last few weeks of celebrity gossiping, plotting and sometimes unexpected moments may seem like one big crazy jumbled dream. Yet it actually all happen. It will be remembered fondly.