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

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

Over the course of the show, audiences saw eliminations, double-crosses, serious side-eye, and an unforgettable incident that pierced all suspense.

However on Thursday night, the ultimate victor of the inaugural celebrity edition emerged triumphant.

Out of nineteen participants, only five remained: Deceivers and loyal players facing off for the winnings.

Soon, the competition tightened to only three contenders: the remaining contestants.

Ultimately, comedian Alan Carr was crowned the champion, in a shocking result that broke the internet and left him emotional.

"It's been tearing me apart, my apologies," he exclaimed, admitting to the other players that he'd always been 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," commented a viewer.

"It couldn't have been a better conclusion," wrote another, while someone else described it as "the TV moment of the year."

The organization he selected, a cancer charity, will receive the entire winnings, with the final pot amounting to £87,500.

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

However, his victory still shocked viewers in shock, according to industry observers.

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

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

"He might have come down to breakfast in traitor attire and I still wouldn't have thought he was deceiving us. I was too busy laughing," a player said.

"The majority didn't vote for him because how can you eliminate a person so loveable?" asked a different contestant.

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

"I want to participate once more... I don't think it would be successful again!"

Thursday evening's installment was lengthened to over an hour on television. It had a different start than typical episodes, as every celebrity were aware who'd make it at the breakfast table.

There was particularly inspiring, and atypical for the show music, as the episode revisited some moments from every remaining player's time in the castle.

True to form, Alan Carr gave us unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I began this game a bit of an anxious mess. I've thrown close allies to save myself, I've eliminated beloved figures in plain sight. I'm clearly a better liar and traitor than I believed."

At the same time, a different player commented that being in the final was "way more stressful than playing for England", while another said he was "totally surprised" to have lasted this long.

In the beginning of the finale, various contestants seemed to be making a bid to become the new style icon of the castle, replacing an earlier departed style leader.

The winner appeared at the morning meal looking like a vintage television personality in patterned burgundy attire, before changing into an embellished light-colored outfit.

But he was outstyled by a fellow player's maroon velvet tuxedo. Impressive style.

Following this was the challenge, with the remaining contestants boarding a train named - of course - The Traitors Express.

This task saw them ripping up images of eliminated players. Spare a thought for a player who was hit on the head multiple times by the lid of a heavy wooden box.

Before long, the moment arrived for the roundtable.

Two traitors made a pact in advance, pledging to support each other. "We've come a long way, I won't betray him," said a player, while their partner simply laughed.

And one did stick to their agreement. But, managing to stay under the radar for most of the game, the other still received the majority elimination votes.

The last deceiver looked like to be experiencing 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, a rudderless ship."

Online platforms and viewers were similarly upset.

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

"Your legacy will remain in the show's legacy," wrote a different viewer.

However, there remained little opportunity to dwell on this departure. Soon, the game reached the endgame - which was what we were really all here for.

The final four stood over the ceremonial fire. And the alliance broke down, precisely when it was most crucial, in a truly WTF moment.

One contestant was painfully banished - following a surprising decision from their ally, who betrayed them.

"This pains me to be betrayed last minute in that manner," remarked the ousted contestant. Later, we learned that when they message, the eliminated contestant refers to the other by a betrayer's name.

Ultimately, just three players remained in the game: the final trio.

A contestant, looking incredibly smug, chose to conclude the game. So did a different player, and everything depended on the final participant, who made the identical choice - resulting in the traitor was the winner.

For observers, the moment where the other players comforted the champion was "compelling television". "I predict it could be a contender for memorable moment at television honors," they said.

Happily, the winner soon recovered from his bout of tears, and was able to enjoy the moment.

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

He also made light of the memorable elimination - his close ally during the initial stages - by leaning toward the presenter in the concluding moments and touching her cheek.

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

The last few weeks of celebrity gossiping, scheming and sometimes surprising incidents may seem like a bizarre fantasy. Yet it actually occur. And we will miss it.