Following multiple episodes of tension, plots and backstabbing, The Celebrity Traitors concludes with a thrilling end

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

Over the course of the show, audiences saw eliminations, double-crosses, intense glares, and a memorable moment that pierced all suspense.

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

From 19 contestants, only five were left standing: Deceivers and faithfuls facing off for the winnings.

Soon, the competition tightened to just three: the final players.

Ultimately, funny man Alan Carr was crowned the champion, in a shocking result that broke the internet and left him emotional.

"It's been tearing me apart, my apologies," he declared, admitting to the remaining faithfuls that he was actually a traitor. "I'm an awful human being."

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

Online platforms immediately exploded with the news. "Most awful traitor ever being the best traitor ever," wrote a viewer.

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

His chosen charity, a cancer charity, will receive all the prize money, with the final pot reaching £87,500.

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, according to industry observers.

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

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

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

"Most people didn't vote for him because how does one eliminate someone who is so charming?" asked a different contestant.

Carr said he had "thoroughly enjoyed" his time on the program.

"I want to participate once more... I doubt it would work a second time!"

Thursday evening's installment was lengthened to over an hour on television. There was a different start than usual, as all the celebs were aware who'd make it at the breakfast table.

Viewers heard some very uplifting, and very un-Traitors-esque music, as we recapped key scenes from each of the finalists' experience in the game.

As ever, the comedian gave us some of the most memorable lines.

"To be honest, I started this game a bit of an anxious mess. I've betrayed close allies to save myself, I've murdered national treasures openly. Apparently I'm more deceptive and player than I believed."

Meanwhile, another contestant noted 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 in the episode, several players seemed to be making a bid to become the fashion standout of the competition, replacing the previously eliminated fashionable contestant.

Carr emerged at the morning meal resembling a 1950s US chat show host in patterned burgundy attire, later switching into a bejewelled white suit.

However, he got outstyled by a fellow player's burgundy formal wear. Impressive style.

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

The challenge saw them ripping up images of eliminated players. Have sympathy for one participant who was hit on the head multiple times by the cover of a substantial container.

Before long, the moment arrived for the elimination discussion.

Two traitors did a pinky promise in advance, vowing to support each other. "We've come a long way, I won't betray him," stated one, while the other simply laughed.

However, 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 he was in significant distress to be the last traitor standing. "Being alone, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm unpredictable, without direction."

Social media and viewers were similarly upset.

"I hoped against this contestant to be banished. An endearing deceiver," commented a commentator.

"You will forever be remembered in the show's legacy," posted a different viewer.

However, there remained little opportunity to dwell on this departure. Before long, the game reached the endgame - this being what we were really all here for.

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

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

"This pains me to be stabbed in the back last minute in that manner," said the eliminated player. Later, it was revealed that if they ever communicate, the eliminated contestant calls their former ally by a betrayer's name.

Finally, only three contestants were still competing: 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 did the same - resulting in the deceiver emerged victorious.

According to commentators, the moment where the other players consoled the champion was "compelling television". "I anticipate it will be in the running for outstanding scene at next year's awards," they said.

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

"What a rollercoaster. I was awful at lying, I had no poker face and now I stand a winner," the winner said.

And he even joked about the memorable elimination - his best friend during the initial stages - by leaning toward the presenter in the concluding moments and touching her cheek.

"There's something on your face," he said, with his trademark giggle.

The recent episodes of famous people scheming, plotting and the occasional surprising incidents may seem like one big crazy jumbled dream. Yet it actually all happen. And we will miss it.