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

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

Throughout the season, audiences saw murders, double-crosses, intense glares, and a memorable moment that pierced the overwhelming suspense.

However on Thursday night, the ultimate victor of the inaugural Celebrity Traitors was revealed.

Out of nineteen participants, only five remained: Deceivers and faithfuls competing for the prize.

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

Ultimately, funny man Alan Carr was crowned the champion, in a surprising result that went viral and made him tearful.

"This has been destroying me, I'm so sorry," he exclaimed, admitting to the remaining faithfuls that he was actually a traitor. "I feel terrible about this."

"You played amazingly," they consoled him. "Everything's fine."

Online platforms quickly erupted with this development. "The worst deceiver being the most effective player," wrote a viewer.

"There could not have been a more iconic ending," stated a different person, while a third described it as "the TV moment of the year."

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

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

However, his victory still shocked viewers in shock, as noted by entertainment reporters.

"The idea of Alan, 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.

"He might have come down to breakfast in traitor attire and I still wouldn't have thought he was deceiving us. I was too busy laughing," one participant said.

"Most people didn't target him because how can you eliminate someone who is so charming?" questioned a different contestant.

The winner stated 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 extended to 70 minutes on the network. There was a different start than typical episodes, as all the celebs knew who would appear at the morning gathering.

There was particularly inspiring, and atypical for the show music, as we recapped some moments from every remaining player's experience in the game.

As ever, the comedian provided unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I started 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 more deceptive and traitor than I believed."

Meanwhile, another contestant noted that reaching the conclusion was "way more stressful than competing with England", while another said he was "completely amazed" to have lasted this long.

In the beginning of the finale, various contestants appeared to be attempting to become the new style icon of the castle, taking over from the previously eliminated fashionable contestant.

The winner appeared at breakfast resembling a vintage television personality in a checked maroon suit, before changing into an embellished light-colored outfit.

But he was out-jacketted by a fellow player's burgundy formal wear. What a look.

Following this was the competition, with the final players getting on board a train named - naturally - The Traitors Express.

The challenge saw them destroying images of former contestants. Have sympathy for one participant who was hit on 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, pledging to stick together. "We've come a long way, I won't throw him under a bus," stated one, while the other just giggled.

However, one adhered to their agreement. But, managing to stay under the radar for most of the game, the other still received the majority elimination votes.

The remaining traitor 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 viewers were similarly upset.

"I did NOT want that player to be banished. An endearing deceiver," said an observer.

"Your legacy will remain in Traitors history," wrote a different viewer.

However, there remained no time to focus on this departure. Before long, they were at the endgame - which was what we were really all here for.

The last players stood over the fire pit. Meanwhile, the partnership collapsed, precisely when it mattered the most, in an absolutely shocking development.

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

"This pains me to be stabbed in the back at the final moment in that manner," said the eliminated player. Later, it was revealed that when they message, the betrayed player calls their former ally as a traitor.

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

A contestant, looking incredibly smug, voted to end the competition. The same decision was made by a different player, and it all came down to the final participant, who did the same - resulting in the deceiver was the winner.

For observers, the moment where the other players consoled the champion was "compelling television". "I predict it could be a contender for outstanding scene at television honors," they commented.

Fortunately, the winner soon recovered from his emotional outburst, and could finally appreciate the moment.

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

And he even made light of the memorable elimination - his close ally during the initial stages - by reaching over the presenter in the final scene and making contact.

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

The recent episodes of famous people scheming, plotting and sometimes unexpected moments may feel like one big crazy jumbled dream. But it really did occur. And we will miss it.