After multiple episodes of tension, schemes and backstabbing, Celebrity Traitors has reached a thrilling finale

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

Throughout the season, viewers witnessed eliminations, betrayals, serious side-eye, and a memorable moment that cut through the overwhelming suspense.

Yet on Thursday night, the ultimate victor of the inaugural celebrity edition was revealed.

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

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

In the end, comedian Alan Carr was crowned the winner, in a surprising outcome 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 one of the deceivers. "I feel terrible about this."

"You played amazingly," they comforted him. "It's all right."

Online platforms quickly erupted with the news. "The worst deceiver being the most effective player," wrote one user.

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

His chosen charity, Neuroblastoma UK, will receive all the prize money, with the final pot reaching eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

The comedian's evolution from giggle liability to strategic player was one of the standout highlights of the series.

But his win still left the nation in shock, as noted by industry observers.

"The thought of him, among everyone, pulling off an expert performance in deceit felt about as likely as him keeping composure through his comedy routines."

During follow-up conversations, fellow players summed up why no one had truly doubted him.

"He might have appeared to the morning meal in a green cloak and I still wouldn't have thought he was a traitor. His humor distracted me," one participant said.

"The majority didn't vote for him because how does one eliminate a person so loveable?" questioned another celebrity.

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

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

Thursday evening's episode was lengthened to 70 minutes on the network. There was an unusual opening than typical episodes, as all the celebs knew who would appear at the morning gathering.

Viewers heard particularly inspiring, and very un-Traitors-esque soundtrack, as we recapped some moments from every remaining player's experience in the game.

As ever, Alan Carr gave us unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I began the competition a bit of a nervous wreck. I've thrown some really good friends to save myself, I've murdered beloved figures in plain sight. I'm clearly a better liar and player than I thought."

At the same time, another contestant noted that being in the final was "way more stressful than playing for a national team", while someone else said he was "completely amazed" to have made it so far.

Early on of the finale, various contestants appeared to be making a bid to become the new style icon of the castle, taking over from an earlier departed style leader.

The winner appeared at the morning meal looking like a 1950s US chat show host in a checked maroon suit, before changing into a bejewelled white suit.

But he was out-jacketted by a fellow player's maroon velvet tuxedo. Impressive style.

Next up was the competition, with the final players boarding a locomotive called - of course - The Deceivers' Railway.

This task saw them ripping up images of former contestants. Spare a thought for a player who was hit on the head THREE times by the cover of a substantial container.

Soon after, it was time for the roundtable.

The deceivers made a pact in advance, pledging to support each other. "We've come a long way, I'm not going to throw him under a bus," stated a player, while the other simply laughed.

However, one adhered to his promise. But, having slipped unnoticed for most of the game, the other still got the most votes.

The remaining traitor appeared he was in a world of pain to be the last traitor standing. "Now I'm on my own, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, without direction."

Social media and viewers were similarly upset.

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

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

However, there remained little opportunity to focus on this departure. Before long, they were at the final stage - this being the moment everyone anticipated.

The last players stood over the fire pit. Meanwhile, the partnership collapsed, precisely when it was most crucial, in a truly WTF moment.

One contestant was eliminated in dramatic fashion - following a surprising decision from their partner, who turned against them.

"This pains me to be stabbed in the back last minute in that manner," remarked the eliminated player. Later, we learned that when they message, the eliminated contestant refers to their former ally by a betrayer's name.

Finally, just three players remained in the game: the last participants.

One player, looking incredibly smug, chose to conclude the game. So did a different player, and it all came down to the final participant, who did the same - resulting in the traitor was the winner.

For observers, the scene where remaining contestants comforted the champion was "compelling television". "I anticipate it will be in the running for outstanding scene at television honors," they commented.

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

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

And he even made light of that infamous murder - his close ally during the initial stages - by leaning toward the presenter in the concluding moments and making contact.

"There's something on your face," he said, with his characteristic laugh.

The last few weeks of celebrity gossiping, plotting and the occasional surprising incidents may feel like a bizarre fantasy. Yet it actually all happen. It will be remembered fondly.