After multiple episodes of suspense, schemes and backstabbing, Celebrity Traitors has reached a nail-biting finale

Spoiler alert - This piece reveals key moments from The Celebrity Traitors finale

Over the course of the show, viewers witnessed murders, betrayals, serious side-eye, and a memorable moment that cut through the overwhelming tension.

However on Thursday night, the final winner of the first celebrity edition emerged triumphant.

Out of nineteen participants, only five remained: Traitors and loyal players competing for the prize.

Before long, the field narrowed to just three: the final players.

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

"This has been destroying me, my apologies," he exclaimed, admitting to the other players that he'd always been a traitor. "I'm an awful human being."

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

Online platforms immediately exploded with this development. "Most awful traitor ever being the most effective player," wrote one user.

"It couldn't have been a more iconic ending," wrote a different person, while someone else described it as "the television highlight of the year."

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

The comedian's evolution from comic relief to cold-hearted killer was one of the standout highlights of the season.

However, his victory still shocked viewers in shock, as noted by industry observers.

"The thought of him, of all people, pulling off a masterclass in deception felt just as probable as him keeping composure through one of his own punchlines."

On subsequent discussions, fellow players explained why no one had truly doubted him.

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

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

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

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

The final episode was extended to over an hour on television. It had an unusual opening than typical episodes, as all the celebs were aware who would appear at the breakfast table.

There was some very uplifting, and very un-Traitors-esque soundtrack, as we recapped key scenes from every remaining player's time in the castle.

True to form, Alan Carr gave us unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I began the competition a bit of an anxious mess. I've betrayed close allies under the bus, I've murdered beloved figures in plain sight. I'm clearly more deceptive and player than I believed."

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 "totally surprised" to have lasted this long.

In the beginning in the episode, several players appeared to be making a bid to become the new style icon of the competition, taking over from an earlier departed style leader.

Carr emerged at breakfast resembling a 1950s US chat show host in a checked maroon suit, later switching into an embellished light-colored outfit.

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

Following this was the challenge, with the remaining contestants boarding a locomotive called - naturally - The Traitors Express.

The challenge involved ripping up images of former contestants. Spare a thought for a player who was hit in the head multiple times by the cover of a substantial container.

Soon after, the moment arrived for the roundtable.

Two traitors did a pinky promise in advance, vowing to support each other. "We've come a long way, I'm not going to throw him under a bus," stated a player, while the other just giggled.

However, one adhered to their agreement. But, having slipped unnoticed for most of the game, the other still got the most votes.

The remaining traitor looked like he was in significant distress to be the final deceiver remaining. "Being alone, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, a rudderless ship."

Online platforms and onlookers were equally disappointed.

"I did NOT want that player to be eliminated. A truly loveable traitor," commented a commentator.

"Your legacy will remain in the show's legacy," posted a different viewer.

But there was little opportunity to focus on their elimination. Soon, the game reached the endgame - which was what we were really all here for.

The final four stood over the ceremonial fire. Meanwhile, the partnership collapsed, precisely when it mattered the most, in an absolutely shocking development.

A player was eliminated in dramatic fashion - following a surprising decision from their ally, who betrayed them.

"It hurts to be stabbed in the back at the final moment like that," remarked the eliminated player. Subsequently, we learned that when they message, the eliminated contestant refers to the other by a betrayer's name.

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

One player, appearing quite pleased, voted to end the game. So did another, and everything depended on the third, who made the identical choice - resulting in the deceiver was the winner.

According to commentators, the moment where remaining contestants comforted the champion was "beautiful TV". "I anticipate it will be a contender for memorable moment at television honors," they commented.

Fortunately, the winner soon recovered from his bout of tears, and could finally appreciate the moment.

"Such an emotional journey. I was awful at lying, I had no poker face and now I stand a winner," the winner said.

He also joked about that infamous murder - his close ally in an early episode - by reaching over the host in the concluding moments and making contact.

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

The recent episodes of celebrity gossiping, plotting and the occasional unexpected moments may feel like a bizarre fantasy. Yet it actually all happen. It will be remembered fondly.