After multiple episodes of tension, plots and backstabbing, The Celebrity Traitors concludes with a thrilling end

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

Throughout the season, audiences saw eliminations, betrayals, intense glares, and a memorable moment that cut through all suspense.

However on Thursday night, the ultimate victor of the first celebrity edition was revealed.

Out of nineteen participants, only five were left standing: Traitors and faithfuls competing for the winnings.

Before long, the field narrowed to just three: the remaining contestants.

In the end, comedian Alan Carr emerged as the champion, in a surprising result that broke the internet and left him emotional.

"This has been destroying me, my apologies," he exclaimed, admitting to the other players that he'd always been one of the deceivers. "I feel terrible about this."

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

Online platforms immediately exploded with the news. "Most awful traitor ever being the most effective player," wrote a viewer.

"There could not have been a better conclusion," stated a different person, while someone else called it "the TV moment of the year."

The organization he selected, a cancer charity, gets to keep all the prize money, with the final pot reaching 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 season.

But his win still left the nation in shock, according to industry observers.

"The thought of him, among everyone, pulling off a masterclass in deceit felt about as likely as him keeping a straight face through his comedy routines."

On subsequent discussions, fellow players summed up the reasons nobody had ever really suspected him.

"Alan could have come down to the morning meal in traitor attire and I wouldn't have believed he was a traitor. His humor distracted me," a player said.

"Most people didn't vote for him because how can you eliminate a person so loveable?" questioned a different contestant.

The winner stated he had "thoroughly enjoyed" his time on the show.

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

The final installment was lengthened to 70 minutes on television. There was an unusual opening than typical episodes, as all the celebs were aware who'd make it at the breakfast table.

Viewers heard some very uplifting, and very un-Traitors-esque soundtrack, as the episode revisited some moments from every remaining player's experience in the game.

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

"To be honest, I started the competition as something of a nervous wreck. I've betrayed close allies under the bus, I've eliminated beloved figures in plain sight. Apparently I'm more deceptive and traitor than I believed."

At the same time, a different player noted that being in the final was "way more stressful than competing with England", while another said he was "totally surprised" to have lasted this long.

In the beginning in the episode, various contestants appeared to be making a bid to become the fashion standout of the competition, taking over from an earlier departed style leader.

The winner appeared at breakfast resembling a vintage television personality in patterned burgundy attire, before changing into an embellished light-colored outfit.

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

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

This task saw them destroying images of eliminated players. Spare a thought for one participant who was hit on the head multiple times by the lid of a heavy wooden box.

Soon after, the moment arrived for the elimination discussion.

The deceivers made a pact in advance, vowing to stick together. "We've come a long way, I won't throw him under a bus," stated one, while their partner simply laughed.

However, one adhered to their agreement. Yet, managing to stay under the radar for the majority of the competition, their partner still received the majority elimination 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 unpredictable, a rudderless ship."

Online platforms and onlookers were equally disappointed.

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

"You will forever be remembered in the show's legacy," posted another user.

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

The final four stood over the fire pit. And the alliance broke down, precisely when it mattered the most, in an absolutely shocking development.

A player was painfully banished - following a surprising decision from their ally, who turned against them.

"It hurts to be stabbed in the back at the final moment in that manner," remarked the eliminated player. Later, we learned that if they ever communicate, the eliminated contestant refers to their former ally by a betrayer's name.

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

A contestant, appearing quite pleased, voted to end the competition. The same decision was made by another, and it all came down to the third, who did the same - resulting in the traitor was the winner.

According to commentators, the moment where remaining contestants comforted the champion was "beautiful TV". "I anticipate it could be in the running for outstanding scene at next year's awards," they said.

Fortunately, the champion quickly regained composure from his bout of tears, and could finally appreciate his victory.

"What a rollercoaster. I was awful at lying, my expressions gave me away and now I stand a winner," the winner said.

And he even joked about that infamous murder - his best friend in an early episode - by leaning toward the presenter in the concluding moments 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 the occasional unexpected moments may feel like a bizarre fantasy. But it really did occur. It will be remembered fondly.