After multiple episodes of suspense, plots and sabotage, Celebrity Traitors has reached a nail-biting finale

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

Over the course of the show, viewers witnessed eliminations, double-crosses, intense glares, and an unforgettable incident that cut through the overwhelming suspense.

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

Out of 19 contestants, only five remained: Deceivers and faithfuls competing for the winnings.

Soon, the competition tightened to just three: the remaining contestants.

In the end, funny man Alan Carr emerged as the champion, in a surprising outcome that broke the internet and made him tearful.

"This has been destroying me, I'm so sorry," he declared, revealing to the other players that he was actually one of the deceivers. "I feel terrible about this."

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

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

"It couldn't have been a more iconic ending," wrote another, while a third described it as "the television highlight of the year."

The organization he selected, Neuroblastoma UK, will receive all the prize money, with the total amount reaching £87,500.

The comedian's evolution from giggle liability to cold-hearted killer was one of the standout highlights of the season.

But his win still shocked viewers in shock, as noted by industry observers.

"The idea of Alan, among everyone, executing a masterclass in deception felt just as probable as him keeping a straight face through his comedy routines."

During follow-up conversations, fellow players explained the reasons nobody had ever really suspected him.

"Alan could have appeared to the morning meal in a green cloak and I still wouldn't have thought he was a traitor. I was too busy laughing," a player said.

"The majority didn't target him because how can you vote for a person so charming?" asked another celebrity.

Carr said he had "thoroughly enjoyed" his time on the show.

"I want to do it again... I doubt it would work again!"

Thursday evening's episode was lengthened to 70 minutes on the network. There was a different start than usual, as every celebrity knew who'd make it at the breakfast table.

There was some very uplifting, and very un-Traitors-esque music, as the episode revisited some moments from each of the finalists' time in the castle.

As ever, the comedian provided some of the most memorable lines.

"To be honest, I started this game as something of a nervous wreck. I've betrayed close allies to save myself, I've murdered national treasures openly. I'm clearly a better liar and player than I believed."

Meanwhile, another contestant noted that reaching the conclusion was "way more stressful than competing with England", while someone else said he was "totally surprised" to have made it so far.

Early on in the episode, various contestants seemed to be making a bid to become the fashion standout of the castle, taking over from an earlier departed style leader.

Carr emerged at breakfast resembling a vintage television personality in a checked maroon suit, later switching into a bejewelled white suit.

But he was 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 - naturally - The Traitors Express.

The challenge saw them destroying images of eliminated players. Spare a thought for a player who managed to get hit in the head multiple times by the cover of a substantial container.

Soon after, it was time for the elimination discussion.

Two traitors made a pact in advance, pledging to stick together. "We've progressed significantly, I'm not going to betray him," said a player, while their partner just giggled.

And one adhered to his promise. Yet, managing to stay under the radar for the majority of the competition, the other still got the most votes.

The remaining traitor looked like he was in a world of pain to be the last traitor standing. "Now I'm on my own, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm unpredictable, without direction."

Online platforms and viewers were similarly upset.

"I hoped against this contestant to be eliminated. A truly loveable traitor," commented an observer.

"You will forever be remembered in Traitors history," posted a different viewer.

But there was little opportunity to focus on this departure. Before long, the game reached the endgame - which was the moment everyone anticipated.

The last players gathered around the ceremonial fire. Meanwhile, the partnership broke down, precisely when it was most crucial, in a truly WTF moment.

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

"This pains me to be betrayed last minute in that manner," said the ousted contestant. Later, it was revealed that if they ever communicate, the eliminated contestant refers to the other as a traitor.

Finally, just three players were still competing: the final trio.

One player, looking incredibly smug, voted to end the competition. The same decision was made by another, and it all came down to the third, who did the same - which meant that the deceiver was the winner.

According to commentators, the scene where the other players comforted the winner was "beautiful TV". "I predict it will be in the running for outstanding scene at television honors," they said.

Fortunately, the winner quickly regained composure from his bout of tears, and was able to enjoy his victory.

"Such an emotional journey. I thought I was terrible at deception, I had no poker face and now I stand a winner," he said.

He also joked about the memorable elimination - his best friend 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 trademark giggle.

The last few weeks of celebrity gossiping, scheming and sometimes surprising incidents may feel like a bizarre fantasy. But it really did all happen. It will be remembered fondly.