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

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

Over the course of the show, viewers witnessed eliminations, betrayals, intense glares, and an unforgettable incident that pierced all suspense.

Yet on the final evening, the ultimate victor of the inaugural celebrity edition was revealed.

Out of 19 contestants, only five remained: Deceivers and loyal players competing for the prize.

Before long, the competition tightened to just three: the remaining contestants.

In the end, 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, revealing to the remaining faithfuls that he'd always been a traitor. "I feel terrible about this."

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

Social media quickly erupted with the news. "The worst deceiver being the best traitor ever," wrote a viewer.

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

His chosen charity, Neuroblastoma UK, gets to keep the entire winnings, with the total amount reaching £87,500.

Alan Carr's transformation from giggle liability to strategic player was among the most memorable aspects of the season.

However, his victory still shocked viewers surprised, as noted by industry observers.

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

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

"He might have appeared 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 vote for him because how does one eliminate a person so loveable?" asked a different contestant.

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

"I'd like to participate once more... I doubt it would work again!"

Thursday evening's installment was extended to over an hour on television. There was an unusual opening than usual, as all the celebs knew who would appear at the breakfast table.

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

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

"To be honest, I started the competition a bit of a nervous wreck. I've thrown some really good friends under the bus, I've eliminated national treasures openly. I'm clearly a better liar and traitor than I believed."

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 "totally surprised" to have made it so far.

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

The winner appeared at breakfast looking like a 1950s US chat show host in a checked maroon suit, later switching into an embellished light-colored outfit.

However, he got outstyled by a fellow player's maroon velvet tuxedo. What a look.

Following this was the challenge, with the final players getting on board a train named - of course - The Traitors Express.

The challenge saw them destroying portraits of former contestants. Spare a thought for a player who was hit in the head multiple times by the cover of a substantial container.

Soon after, the moment arrived for the roundtable.

The deceivers made a pact beforehand, pledging to support each other. "We've progressed significantly, I'm not going to throw him under a bus," stated a player, while the other simply laughed.

And one did stick to their agreement. Yet, having slipped under the radar for most of the game, the other still got the most votes.

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

Social media and onlookers were equally disappointed.

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

"Your legacy will remain in the show's legacy," posted another user.

But there was little opportunity to dwell on this departure. Before long, they were at the endgame - which was the moment everyone anticipated.

The final four stood over the ceremonial fire. Meanwhile, the partnership broke down, just when it was most crucial, in an absolutely shocking development.

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

"This pains me to be stabbed in the back last minute like that," said the ousted contestant. Subsequently, it was revealed that if they ever communicate, the eliminated contestant refers to their former ally by a betrayer's name.

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

A contestant, looking incredibly smug, voted to end the game. So did another, and everything depended on the third, who made the identical choice - which meant that the traitor was the winner.

According to commentators, the moment where the other players consoled the champion was "compelling television". "I anticipate it will be a contender for memorable moment 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," he said.

And he even joked about the memorable elimination - his close ally during the initial stages - by reaching over the host in the concluding moments and making contact.

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

The last few weeks of famous people scheming, scheming and the occasional unexpected moments may seem like a bizarre fantasy. Yet it actually all happen. It will be remembered fondly.