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

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

Over the course of the show, viewers witnessed eliminations, betrayals, serious side-eye, and an unforgettable incident that cut through all suspense.

However on Thursday night, the ultimate victor of the inaugural Celebrity Traitors emerged triumphant.

From 19 contestants, just a handful remained: Traitors and loyal players competing for the winnings.

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

Ultimately, comedian Alan Carr emerged as the winner, in a surprising result that broke the internet and left him emotional.

"This has been destroying me, I'm so sorry," he exclaimed, revealing to the other players that he was actually one of the deceivers. "I feel terrible about this."

"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," commented one user.

"There could not have been a more iconic ending," stated a different person, while someone else called it "the television highlight of the year."

The organization he selected, Neuroblastoma UK, will receive the entire winnings, with the total amount reaching £87,500.

Alan Carr's transformation from giggle liability to cold-hearted killer was one of the standout highlights of the season.

However, his victory still left the nation surprised, according to industry observers.

"The idea of Alan, among everyone, pulling off a masterclass in deception felt about as likely as him keeping composure through his comedy routines."

On subsequent discussions, 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 deceiving us. His humor distracted me," one participant said.

"The majority didn't vote for him because how can you eliminate a person so loveable?" asked another celebrity.

Carr said he had "thoroughly enjoyed" his experience with the program.

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

Thursday evening's episode was extended to over an hour on the network. There was an unusual opening than usual, as all the celebs knew who'd make it at the breakfast table.

Viewers heard some very uplifting, and atypical for the show music, as the episode revisited some moments from every remaining player's experience in the game.

True to form, the comedian provided some of the most memorable lines.

"To be honest, I started this game a bit of an anxious mess. I've betrayed some really good friends to save myself, I've eliminated national treasures in plain sight. I'm clearly more deceptive and traitor than I believed."

Meanwhile, a different player commented that reaching the conclusion was "significantly more pressure than playing for England", while someone else said he was "totally surprised" to have lasted this long.

In the beginning in the episode, several players appeared to be attempting to become the fashion standout of the competition, taking over from the previously eliminated fashionable contestant.

Carr emerged at breakfast resembling a vintage television personality in a checked maroon suit, later switching into a bejewelled white suit.

However, he got out-jacketted by another contestant's burgundy formal wear. What a look.

Next up was the challenge, with the remaining contestants boarding a train named - of course - The Traitors Express.

This task involved destroying images of former contestants. Have sympathy for a player who was hit on the head multiple times by the cover of a heavy wooden box.

Before long, the moment arrived for the roundtable.

Two traitors did a pinky promise beforehand, vowing to stick together. "We've progressed significantly, I won't throw him under a bus," stated a player, while the other simply laughed.

And 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 remaining traitor looked like he was in a world of pain to be the last traitor standing. "Being alone, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, a rudderless ship."

Online platforms and viewers were equally disappointed.

"I did NOT want this contestant to be banished. A truly loveable traitor," commented an observer.

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

But there was little opportunity to dwell on this departure. Before long, they were at the final stage - which was what we were really all here for.

The final four stood over the ceremonial fire. Meanwhile, the partnership broke down, precisely when it was most crucial, in a truly WTF moment.

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

"This pains me to be stabbed in the back last minute in that manner," remarked the eliminated player. Later, we learned that if they ever communicate, the eliminated contestant refers to the other as a traitor.

Ultimately, only three contestants remained in the game: the last participants.

A contestant, looking incredibly smug, voted to end the competition. So did a different player, and everything depended on the third, who did the same - which meant that the traitor was the winner.

For observers, the moment where the other players consoled the winner was "compelling television". "I predict it could be a contender for memorable moment at next year's awards," they said.

Fortunately, the winner quickly regained composure from his emotional outburst, and was able to enjoy his victory.

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

And he even made light of that infamous murder - his best friend in an early episode - by leaning toward the presenter in the concluding moments and touching her cheek.

"You've got something on your face," he said, with his characteristic laugh.

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