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

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

Over the course of the show, audiences saw murders, betrayals, serious side-eye, and an unforgettable incident that cut through all suspense.

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

Out of nineteen participants, only five were left standing: Deceivers and faithfuls facing off for the winnings.

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

In the end, funny man Alan Carr was crowned the winner, in a surprising outcome that went viral and left him emotional.

"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."

Social media quickly erupted with the news. "The worst deceiver being the most effective player," wrote a viewer.

"There could not have been a more iconic ending," stated another, while a third described it as "the TV moment of the year."

His chosen charity, a cancer charity, will receive all the prize money, with the total amount reaching eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

The comedian's evolution from comic relief to cold-hearted killer was among the most memorable aspects of the season.

But his win still left the nation surprised, as noted by entertainment reporters.

"The idea of Alan, of all people, pulling off a masterclass in deceit felt about as likely as him maintaining a straight face through his comedy routines."

On subsequent discussions, the other contestants explained the reasons nobody had ever really suspected him.

"Alan could have appeared to the morning meal in traitor attire and I still wouldn't have thought he was deceiving us. His humor distracted me," one participant said.

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

Carr said he had "absolutely loved" his time on the show.

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

Thursday evening's episode was extended to 70 minutes on television. There was a different start than usual, as every celebrity were aware who would appear at the morning gathering.

There was some very uplifting, and very un-Traitors-esque soundtrack, as we recapped some moments from every remaining player's experience in the game.

As ever, Alan Carr provided some of the most memorable lines.

"To be honest, I started this game as something of an anxious mess. I've thrown close allies under the bus, I've eliminated beloved figures in plain sight. I'm clearly more deceptive and player than I believed."

Meanwhile, another contestant noted that being in the final was "way more stressful than competing with a national team", while another said he was "completely amazed" to have made it so far.

Early on in the episode, several players seemed to be attempting to become the new style icon of the castle, replacing the previously eliminated fashionable contestant.

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

But he was outstyled by another contestant's maroon velvet tuxedo. Impressive style.

Next up was the challenge, with the remaining contestants getting on board a train named - of course - The Deceivers' Railway.

This task involved destroying portraits of eliminated players. Spare a thought for one participant who managed to get hit on the head THREE times by the lid of a substantial container.

Soon after, the moment arrived for the roundtable.

The deceivers made a pact in advance, pledging to stick together. "We've come a long way, I'm not going to throw him under a bus," said a player, while their partner just giggled.

And one did stick to their agreement. But, 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. "Now I'm on my own, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm unpredictable, without direction."

Online platforms and viewers were similarly upset.

"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," wrote another user.

However, there remained little opportunity to dwell on their elimination. Before long, the game reached the final stage - this being what we were really all here for.

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

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

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

Finally, only three contestants remained in the game: the last participants.

One player, appearing quite pleased, voted to end the competition. So did another, and it all came down to the final participant, who made the identical choice - which meant that the traitor was the winner.

For observers, the scene where the other players comforted the champion was "compelling television". "I predict it could be in the running for outstanding scene at next year's awards," they said.

Fortunately, the winner soon recovered from his emotional outburst, and could finally appreciate his victory.

"Such an emotional journey. I thought I was terrible at deception, my expressions gave me away and here I am the champion," he said.

And he even made light of the memorable elimination - his best friend in an early episode - by reaching over the host in the concluding moments and making contact.

"You've got something on your face," he said, with his trademark giggle.

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