Following multiple episodes of tension, plots and backstabbing, Celebrity Traitors has reached a thrilling finale

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

Over the course of the show, viewers witnessed eliminations, betrayals, serious side-eye, and a memorable moment that pierced the overwhelming suspense.

Yet on Thursday night, the final winner of the first celebrity edition was revealed.

From nineteen participants, only five remained: Deceivers and faithfuls competing for the winnings.

Soon, the competition tightened to just three: the remaining contestants.

In the end, comedian Alan Carr was crowned the winner, 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'm an awful human being."

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

Social media quickly erupted with this development. "Most awful traitor ever being the most effective player," commented one user.

"There could not have been a better conclusion," wrote a different person, while someone else described it as "the television highlight of the year."

His chosen charity, Neuroblastoma UK, will receive all the prize money, with the total amount reaching £87,500.

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

But his win still left the nation surprised, according to entertainment reporters.

"The idea of Alan, among everyone, executing an expert performance in deceit felt just as probable as him keeping a straight face through one of his own punchlines."

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

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

"Most people didn't target him because how does one vote for someone who is so charming?" asked another celebrity.

Carr said he had "absolutely loved" his time on the program.

"I want to do it again... I doubt it would be successful again!"

Thursday evening's episode was lengthened to 70 minutes on the network. It had a different start than usual, as every celebrity knew who would appear at the morning gathering.

There was some very uplifting, and atypical for the show music, as we recapped key scenes from each of the finalists' experience in the game.

As ever, the comedian provided some of the most memorable lines.

"To be honest, I started the competition as something of an anxious mess. I've thrown close allies to save myself, I've eliminated beloved figures openly. Apparently I'm more deceptive and traitor than I believed."

At the same time, another contestant commented that reaching the conclusion was "significantly more pressure than playing for England", while someone else said he was "completely amazed" to have made it so far.

In the beginning of the finale, various contestants appeared to be making a bid to become the new style icon of the competition, replacing an earlier departed style leader.

Carr emerged at breakfast looking like a vintage television personality in a checked maroon suit, before changing into a bejewelled white suit.

But he was outstyled by another contestant's burgundy formal wear. What a look.

Following this was the competition, with the remaining contestants boarding a train named - of course - The Deceivers' Railway.

This task involved ripping up portraits of former contestants. Have sympathy for one participant who was hit in the head multiple times by the lid of a substantial container.

Soon after, the moment arrived for the roundtable.

The deceivers made a pact beforehand, vowing to support each other. "We've come a long way, I'm not going to betray him," said one, while the other just giggled.

However, one adhered to their agreement. But, managing to stay unnoticed for most of the game, the other still received the majority elimination votes.

The remaining traitor appeared he was in significant distress to be the last traitor standing. "Being alone, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, a rudderless ship."

Social media and onlookers were similarly upset.

"I hoped against that player to be banished. An endearing deceiver," commented an observer.

"Your legacy will remain in the show's legacy," wrote another user.

But there was no time to dwell on this departure. Before long, the game reached the endgame - which was the moment everyone anticipated.

The last players stood over the fire pit. And the alliance broke down, precisely when it was most crucial, in an absolutely shocking development.

One contestant was painfully banished - following a surprising decision from their partner, who betrayed them.

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

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

A contestant, looking incredibly smug, chose to conclude the competition. So did a different player, and it all came down to the final participant, who did the same - resulting in the traitor was the winner.

According to commentators, the scene where the other players consoled the winner was "beautiful TV". "I predict it could be a contender for memorable moment at next year's awards," they said.

Happily, the champion soon recovered from his emotional outburst, and was able to enjoy the moment.

"What a rollercoaster. I thought I was terrible at deception, my expressions gave me away and here I am the champion," he said.

And he even joked about that infamous murder - his best friend during the initial stages - by leaning toward the host in the final scene and touching her cheek.

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

The last few weeks of famous people scheming, scheming and the occasional unexpected moments may feel like one big crazy jumbled dream. But it really did occur. It will be remembered fondly.