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

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

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

Yet on Thursday night, the ultimate victor of the first celebrity edition was revealed.

From nineteen participants, just a handful remained: Deceivers and faithfuls competing for the winnings.

Soon, the field narrowed to just three: the final players.

Ultimately, funny man Alan Carr emerged as the winner, in a shocking outcome that broke the internet and made him tearful.

"This has been destroying me, I'm so sorry," he declared, admitting to the remaining faithfuls that he was actually one of the deceivers. "I'm an awful human being."

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

Social media immediately exploded with this development. "Most awful traitor ever being the best traitor ever," wrote one user.

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

The organization he selected, a cancer charity, will receive the entire winnings, with the final pot amounting to £87,500.

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

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

"The thought of him, among everyone, executing an expert performance in deceit felt just as probable as him maintaining composure through one of his own punchlines."

During follow-up conversations, the other contestants explained the reasons nobody 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. His humor distracted me," a player said.

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

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

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

The final episode was lengthened to 70 minutes on television. It had an unusual opening than typical episodes, as every celebrity knew who would appear at the breakfast table.

There was some very uplifting, and very un-Traitors-esque soundtrack, as the episode revisited some moments from every remaining player's time in the castle.

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

"Let's face it, I began this game a bit of an anxious mess. I've betrayed close allies to save myself, I've eliminated beloved figures in plain sight. I'm clearly more deceptive and traitor than I thought."

At the same time, a different player commented that being in the final was "significantly more pressure than playing for a national team", while someone else said he was "completely amazed" to have made it so far.

In the beginning in the episode, various contestants appeared to be attempting to become the fashion standout of the competition, taking over from an earlier departed style leader.

Carr emerged at breakfast resembling a 1950s US chat show host in patterned burgundy attire, before changing into a bejewelled white suit.

But he was out-jacketted by another contestant's maroon velvet tuxedo. Impressive style.

Following this was the challenge, with the remaining contestants boarding a train named - naturally - The Deceivers' Railway.

The challenge saw them ripping up images of former contestants. Have sympathy for one participant who was hit in the head multiple times by the lid of a heavy wooden box.

Soon after, the moment arrived for the elimination discussion.

The deceivers made a pact in advance, vowing to support each other. "We've progressed significantly, I won't throw him under a bus," said a player, while the other simply laughed.

However, one did stick to his promise. But, having slipped unnoticed for the majority of the competition, their partner still received the majority elimination votes.

The remaining traitor appeared he was in 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."

Online platforms and viewers were equally disappointed.

"I hoped against this contestant to be eliminated. A truly loveable traitor," said a commentator.

"Your legacy will remain in Traitors history," wrote a different viewer.

However, there remained no time to focus on their elimination. Soon, the game reached the final stage - this being the moment everyone anticipated.

The final four gathered around the ceremonial fire. Meanwhile, the partnership broke down, just when it mattered the most, in a truly WTF moment.

A player was painfully banished - following a surprising decision from their ally, who turned against them.

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

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

A contestant, appearing quite pleased, chose to conclude the game. The same decision was made by a different player, and it all came down to the third, who did the same - which meant that the traitor emerged victorious.

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

Fortunately, the winner quickly regained composure from his bout of tears, and was able to enjoy the moment.

"What a rollercoaster. I was awful at lying, I had no poker face and here I am a winner," he said.

And he even joked about the memorable elimination - his close ally during the initial stages - by leaning toward the presenter in the final scene and making contact.

"You've got something on your face," he said, with his characteristic laugh.

The recent episodes of celebrity gossiping, scheming and sometimes unexpected moments may seem like a bizarre fantasy. Yet it actually all happen. And we will miss it.