Following multiple episodes of tension, schemes and sabotage, The Celebrity Traitors has reached a thrilling finale

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

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

However on Thursday night, the final winner of the first Celebrity Traitors emerged triumphant.

From nineteen participants, just a handful remained: Deceivers and loyal players facing off for the prize.

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

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

"This has been destroying me, I'm so sorry," he declared, admitting to the other players that he'd always been one of the deceivers. "I'm an awful human being."

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

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

"There could not have been a more iconic ending," wrote a different person, while a third described it as "the television highlight of the year."

The organization he selected, Neuroblastoma UK, will receive the entire winnings, with the total amount amounting to eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

Alan Carr's transformation from comic relief to cold-hearted killer was among the most memorable aspects of the series.

However, his victory still left the nation in shock, according to entertainment reporters.

"The idea of Alan, of all people, executing a masterclass in deceit felt about as likely as him keeping composure through one of his own punchlines."

During follow-up conversations, fellow players summed up the reasons nobody had truly doubted him.

"He might have appeared to breakfast in traitor attire and I wouldn't have believed he was a traitor. I was too busy laughing," one participant said.

"Most people didn't target him because how can you vote for a person so charming?" questioned another celebrity.

The winner stated he had "absolutely loved" his experience with the show.

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

The final episode was lengthened to over an hour on the network. There was a different start than usual, as every celebrity were aware who'd make it at the breakfast table.

Viewers heard particularly inspiring, and atypical for the show soundtrack, as the episode revisited key scenes from each of the finalists' time in the castle.

True to form, Alan Carr provided unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I started this game a bit of a nervous wreck. I've betrayed some really good friends under the bus, I've murdered national treasures in plain sight. I'm clearly more deceptive and traitor than I thought."

At the same time, a different player commented that reaching the conclusion was "significantly more pressure than playing for a national team", while another said he was "totally surprised" to have lasted this long.

In the beginning of the finale, several players seemed to be making a bid to become the fashion standout of the castle, replacing an earlier departed style leader.

The winner appeared at breakfast resembling a 1950s US chat show host in patterned burgundy attire, later switching into an embellished light-colored outfit.

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

Next up was the challenge, with the remaining contestants boarding a train named - of course - The Deceivers' Railway.

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

Soon after, it was time for the roundtable.

Two traitors made a pact beforehand, vowing to support each other. "We've progressed significantly, I won't betray him," stated one, while their partner simply laughed.

And one adhered to his promise. But, having slipped unnoticed for most of the game, their partner still got the most votes.

The remaining traitor appeared he was in a world of pain to be the final deceiver remaining. "Being alone, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, without direction."

Online platforms and onlookers were equally disappointed.

"I hoped against that player to be banished. A truly loveable traitor," said an observer.

"You will forever be remembered in Traitors history," wrote another user.

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

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

A player was painfully banished - after a shock vote from their partner, who betrayed them.

"It hurts to be betrayed last minute like that," said the ousted contestant. Later, we learned that if they ever communicate, the betrayed player refers to their former ally by a betrayer's name.

Ultimately, only three contestants were still competing: the last participants.

One player, looking incredibly smug, voted to end the game. So did 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 the other players comforted the champion was "beautiful TV". "I predict it will be a contender for outstanding scene at next year's awards," they said.

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

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

He also joked about the memorable elimination - his best friend in an early episode - by leaning toward the host in the concluding moments and touching her cheek.

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

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