After weeks of tension, plots and backstabbing, Celebrity Traitors concludes with a thrilling finale

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

Throughout the season, viewers witnessed murders, double-crosses, intense glares, and an unforgettable incident that cut through all suspense.

However on Thursday night, the final winner of the inaugural Celebrity Traitors was revealed.

From 19 contestants, only five were left standing: Traitors and faithfuls competing for the prize.

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

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

"It's been tearing me apart, my apologies," he exclaimed, admitting to the remaining faithfuls that he'd always been one of the deceivers. "I feel terrible about this."

"You did brilliantly," they consoled him. "Everything's fine."

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

"There could not have been a better conclusion," wrote another, while someone else described it as "the TV moment of the year."

His chosen charity, Neuroblastoma UK, will receive the entire winnings, with the total amount reaching £87,500.

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

But his win still left the nation in shock, according to industry observers.

"The thought of him, 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 truly doubted him.

"Alan could have appeared to breakfast in a green cloak and I wouldn't have believed he was a traitor. I was too busy laughing," a player said.

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

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

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

The final installment was extended to over an hour on television. It had a different start than typical episodes, as all the celebs knew who would appear at the morning gathering.

Viewers heard some very uplifting, and atypical for the show soundtrack, as the episode revisited some moments from each of the finalists' experience in the game.

As ever, the comedian gave us unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I started this game as something of an anxious mess. I've betrayed some really good friends under the bus, I've murdered national treasures openly. Apparently I'm a better liar and player than I thought."

At the same time, another contestant noted that being in the final was "way more stressful than playing for a national team", while another said he was "totally surprised" to have lasted this long.

Early on of the finale, various contestants appeared to be attempting to become the fashion standout of the castle, taking over from the previously eliminated fashionable contestant.

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

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

Following this was the competition, with the remaining contestants boarding a locomotive called - naturally - The Deceivers' Railway.

The challenge involved ripping up images of former contestants. Spare a thought for one participant 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.

Two traitors did a pinky promise beforehand, pledging to support each other. "We've come a long way, I'm not going to throw him under a bus," said one, while the other just giggled.

And one did stick to their agreement. Yet, having slipped under the radar for most of the game, the other still received the majority elimination votes.

The last deceiver appeared to be experiencing significant distress to be the last traitor standing. "Being alone, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, without direction."

Online platforms and onlookers were similarly upset.

"I hoped against this contestant to be banished. A truly loveable traitor," commented an observer.

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

But there was little opportunity to focus on their elimination. Before long, the game reached the final stage - this being what we were really all here for.

The last players stood over the ceremonial fire. Meanwhile, the partnership broke down, precisely when it mattered the most, in a truly WTF moment.

A player was eliminated in dramatic fashion - after a shock vote from their partner, who turned against them.

"It hurts to be betrayed last minute like that," remarked the ousted contestant. Subsequently, it was revealed that if they ever communicate, the eliminated contestant calls the other by a betrayer's name.

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

One player, looking incredibly smug, voted to end the competition. The same decision was made by a different player, and everything depended on the final participant, who did the same - resulting in the traitor emerged victorious.

According to commentators, the scene where remaining contestants consoled the champion was "compelling television". "I anticipate it will be a contender for outstanding scene at television honors," they said.

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

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

He also joked about the memorable elimination - his best friend in an early episode - by reaching over the host in the concluding moments and making contact.

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

The last few weeks of celebrity gossiping, scheming and the occasional surprising incidents may feel like one big crazy jumbled dream. Yet it actually occur. And we will miss it.