Following multiple episodes of tension, schemes and backstabbing, Celebrity Traitors has reached a thrilling end

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

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

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

From nineteen participants, only five were left standing: Traitors and loyal players facing off for the winnings.

Soon, the field narrowed to only three contenders: the remaining contestants.

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

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

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

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

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

The organization he selected, a cancer charity, will receive all the prize money, with the final pot reaching £87,500.

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

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

"The thought of him, of all people, executing a masterclass in deception felt about as likely as him maintaining composure through one of his own punchlines."

On subsequent discussions, the other contestants summed up why no one had ever really suspected him.

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

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

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

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

Thursday evening's installment was extended to 70 minutes on television. It had a different start than usual, as all the celebs were aware who would appear at the morning gathering.

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

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

"Let's face it, I began the competition as something of an anxious mess. I've thrown some really good friends under the bus, I've eliminated national treasures openly. Apparently I'm a better liar and player than I believed."

At the same time, another contestant commented that reaching the conclusion was "way more stressful than playing for a national team", while another said he was "completely amazed" 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 competition, taking over from the previously eliminated fashionable contestant.

Carr emerged at the morning meal looking like a 1950s US chat show host in patterned burgundy attire, before changing into a bejewelled white suit.

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

Next up was the competition, with the remaining contestants getting on board a train named - of course - The Traitors Express.

The challenge saw them destroying portraits of eliminated players. Spare a thought for one participant who was hit in the head multiple times by the cover of a heavy wooden box.

Soon after, the moment arrived for the elimination discussion.

The deceivers did a pinky promise in advance, vowing to support each other. "We've come a long way, I'm not going to betray him," stated one, while their partner simply laughed.

However, one did stick to his promise. But, having slipped under the radar for the majority of the competition, their partner still got the most votes.

The last deceiver appeared to be experiencing a world of pain to be the final deceiver remaining. "Being alone, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm unpredictable, a rudderless ship."

Online platforms and onlookers were equally disappointed.

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

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

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

The last players gathered around the ceremonial fire. Meanwhile, the partnership collapsed, precisely when it was most crucial, in a truly WTF moment.

One contestant was painfully banished - after a shock vote from their ally, who turned against them.

"It hurts to be stabbed in the back at the final moment like that," said the ousted contestant. Subsequently, we learned that if they ever communicate, the betrayed player refers to the other by a betrayer's name.

Ultimately, just three players were still competing: the last participants.

One player, looking incredibly smug, voted to end the competition. So did another, and it all came down to the third, who did the same - resulting in the traitor emerged victorious.

For observers, the moment where the other players comforted the winner was "beautiful TV". "I predict it could be in the running for memorable moment at television honors," they said.

Fortunately, the winner soon recovered from his emotional outburst, and was able to enjoy his victory.

"What a rollercoaster. I thought I was terrible at deception, I had no poker face and here I am a winner," the winner said.

And he even joked about the memorable elimination - his close ally during the initial stages - by reaching over the presenter in the concluding moments and touching her cheek.

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

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