After multiple episodes of tension, plots and backstabbing, The Celebrity Traitors has reached a thrilling end

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

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

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

From nineteen participants, just a handful remained: Traitors and faithfuls facing off for the winnings.

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

Ultimately, funny man Alan Carr was crowned the champion, in a shocking outcome that went viral and left him emotional.

"This has been destroying me, my apologies," he declared, admitting to the remaining faithfuls that he was actually a traitor. "I'm an awful human being."

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

Online platforms quickly erupted with the news. "The worst deceiver being the best traitor ever," wrote one user.

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

His chosen charity, Neuroblastoma UK, gets to keep the entire winnings, with the final pot amounting to £87,500.

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

But his win still shocked viewers in shock, 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, fellow players explained the reasons nobody had truly doubted him.

"He might have come down to the morning meal in a green cloak and I wouldn't have believed he was a traitor. I was too busy laughing," one participant said.

"The majority didn't vote for him because how does one vote for someone who is so charming?" asked another celebrity.

The winner stated he had "absolutely loved" his time on the program.

"I'd like to do it again... I doubt it would be successful a second time!"

The final episode was extended to 70 minutes on television. It had a different start than usual, as all the celebs knew who would appear at the breakfast table.

Viewers heard particularly inspiring, and atypical for the show music, as the episode revisited key scenes from every remaining player's experience in the game.

True to form, Alan Carr provided unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I started this game a bit of a nervous wreck. I've thrown close allies to save myself, I've murdered national treasures openly. Apparently I'm more deceptive and player than I thought."

At the same time, a different player commented 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 of the finale, various contestants appeared to be making a bid to become the fashion standout of the castle, replacing the previously eliminated style leader.

The winner appeared at breakfast 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 another contestant's burgundy formal wear. Impressive style.

Following this was the challenge, with the remaining contestants boarding a locomotive called - of course - The Deceivers' Railway.

The challenge saw them destroying images of eliminated players. Have sympathy for one participant who was hit in the head multiple times by the lid of a heavy wooden box.

Before long, the moment arrived for the roundtable.

Two traitors did a pinky promise beforehand, vowing to support each other. "We've progressed significantly, I won't betray him," said one, while the other simply laughed.

However, one adhered to his promise. Yet, having slipped unnoticed for most of the game, their partner still got the most votes.

The last deceiver looked like to be experiencing significant distress to be the last traitor standing. "Now I'm on my own, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm unpredictable, a rudderless ship."

Online platforms and viewers were equally disappointed.

"I did NOT want that player to be eliminated. A truly loveable traitor," said a commentator.

"Your legacy will remain in Traitors history," wrote another user.

But there was no time to focus on this departure. Before long, the game reached the endgame - which was the moment everyone anticipated.

The final four gathered around the ceremonial fire. Meanwhile, the partnership broke down, just when it was most crucial, in a truly WTF moment.

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

"This pains me to be stabbed in the back last minute like that," remarked the ousted contestant. Later, it was revealed that if they ever communicate, the betrayed player refers to the other by a betrayer's name.

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

A contestant, appearing quite pleased, voted to end the competition. So did a different player, and it all came down to the third, who made the identical choice - which meant that the deceiver was the winner.

According to commentators, the moment where the other players comforted the winner was "compelling television". "I anticipate it will be a contender for memorable moment at next year's awards," 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 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.

"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 seem like one big crazy jumbled dream. But it really did occur. And we will miss it.