Following multiple episodes of tension, schemes and backstabbing, The Celebrity Traitors has reached a thrilling finale

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

Throughout the season, viewers witnessed eliminations, double-crosses, intense glares, and an unforgettable incident that pierced the overwhelming suspense.

However on Thursday night, the final winner of the first Celebrity Traitors was revealed.

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

Soon, the field narrowed to just three: the remaining contestants.

In the end, comedian Alan Carr was crowned the winner, in a shocking result that broke the internet and made him tearful.

"This has been destroying me, I'm so sorry," he exclaimed, revealing to the other players that he was actually one of the deceivers. "I'm an awful human being."

"You played amazingly," they consoled him. "It's all right."

Social media immediately exploded with the news. "The worst deceiver being the most effective player," commented one user.

"There could not have been a better conclusion," stated another, while someone else described it as "the television highlight of the year."

His chosen charity, Neuroblastoma UK, will receive the entire winnings, with the total amount reaching eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

Alan Carr's transformation from comic relief to cold-hearted killer was one of the standout highlights of the season.

However, his victory still left the nation surprised, according to entertainment reporters.

"The idea of Alan, among everyone, pulling off a masterclass in deception felt just as probable as him keeping a straight face through one of his own punchlines."

On subsequent discussions, the other contestants summed up why no one had ever really suspected him.

"Alan could have appeared to breakfast in a green cloak and I wouldn't have believed he was deceiving us. I was too busy laughing," one participant said.

"The majority didn't target him because how does one eliminate someone who is so loveable?" questioned another celebrity.

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

"I'd like to do it again... I don't think it would be successful a second time!"

Thursday evening's episode was extended to over an hour on the network. There was a different start than typical episodes, as all the celebs knew who'd make it at the morning gathering.

There was some very uplifting, and atypical for the show music, as we recapped key scenes from each of the finalists' experience in the game.

As ever, the comedian gave us unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I began this game a bit of an anxious mess. I've betrayed close allies under the bus, I've murdered national treasures openly. I'm clearly a better liar and player than I thought."

Meanwhile, a different player commented 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 lasted this long.

Early on of the finale, several players appeared to be attempting to become the new style icon of the castle, taking over from the previously eliminated fashionable contestant.

Carr emerged at the morning meal looking like a vintage television personality in a checked maroon suit, before changing into a bejewelled white suit.

But he was out-jacketted by a fellow player'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 involved destroying portraits of former contestants. Have sympathy for one participant who managed to get hit on the head THREE times by the cover of a substantial container.

Soon after, the moment arrived for the elimination discussion.

Two traitors did a pinky promise in advance, vowing to stick together. "We've progressed significantly, I'm not going to throw him under a bus," said a player, while the other simply laughed.

However, one did stick to their agreement. Yet, managing to stay under the radar for most of the game, their partner still received the majority elimination votes.

The remaining traitor looked like to be experiencing significant distress to be the last traitor standing. "Being alone, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, without direction."

Online platforms and viewers were equally disappointed.

"I did NOT want this contestant to be banished. A truly loveable traitor," said an observer.

"Your legacy will remain in Traitors history," posted a different viewer.

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

The final four gathered around the ceremonial fire. And the alliance collapsed, precisely when it was most crucial, in an absolutely shocking development.

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

"This pains me to be betrayed at the final moment in that manner," remarked the ousted contestant. Later, we learned that when they message, the betrayed player calls the other as a traitor.

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

A contestant, looking incredibly smug, voted to end the competition. The same decision was made by another, and everything depended on the final participant, who did the same - resulting in the deceiver was the winner.

According to commentators, the moment where the other players consoled 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 bout of tears, and could finally appreciate the moment.

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

He also joked about that infamous murder - his close ally during the initial stages - by leaning toward the host in the final scene and touching her cheek.

"You've got something on your face," he said, with his characteristic laugh.

The recent episodes of famous people scheming, plotting and sometimes unexpected moments may feel like one big crazy jumbled dream. Yet it actually all happen. It will be remembered fondly.