Following multiple episodes of suspense, plots 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, viewers witnessed eliminations, double-crosses, intense glares, and a memorable moment that pierced the overwhelming suspense.

However on Thursday night, the final winner of the inaugural celebrity edition emerged triumphant.

Out of nineteen participants, just a handful remained: Deceivers and loyal players facing off for the winnings.

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

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

"This has been destroying me, I'm so sorry," he declared, revealing to the remaining faithfuls that he was actually a traitor. "I feel terrible about this."

"You did brilliantly," they comforted him. "Everything's fine."

Online platforms quickly erupted with this development. "The worst deceiver being the most effective player," commented a viewer.

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

His chosen charity, Neuroblastoma UK, will receive the entire winnings, with the final pot amounting to eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

The comedian's evolution from comic relief to strategic player was one of the standout highlights of the series.

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

"The idea of Alan, of all people, pulling off a masterclass in deception felt just as probable as him maintaining composure through his comedy routines."

On subsequent discussions, fellow players summed up why no one had truly doubted 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," a player said.

"Most people didn't target him because how can you eliminate a person so loveable?" questioned another celebrity.

Carr said he had "absolutely loved" his experience with the show.

"I want to do it again... I doubt it would be successful a second time!"

The final installment was extended to over an hour on television. It had an unusual opening than usual, as all the celebs were aware who would appear at the morning gathering.

Viewers heard particularly inspiring, and atypical for the show soundtrack, as the episode revisited some moments from every remaining player's time in the castle.

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

"Let's face it, I started this game as something of an anxious mess. I've thrown close allies to save myself, I've eliminated national treasures in plain sight. Apparently I'm more deceptive and traitor than I thought."

Meanwhile, a different player commented that being in the final was "significantly more pressure than competing with England", while someone else said he was "totally surprised" to have made it so far.

In the beginning of the finale, several players appeared to be attempting to become the fashion standout of the competition, replacing the previously eliminated style leader.

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

However, he got out-jacketted by another contestant's burgundy formal wear. Impressive style.

Next up was the competition, with the remaining contestants boarding a locomotive called - of course - The Deceivers' Railway.

The challenge involved destroying images of former contestants. Spare a thought for one participant who was hit in the head multiple times by the cover of a heavy wooden box.

Before long, the moment arrived for the roundtable.

Two traitors made a pact beforehand, vowing to support each other. "We've come a long way, I'm not going to betray him," said one, while their partner simply laughed.

However, one did stick to his promise. But, managing to stay unnoticed for the majority of the competition, their partner still received the majority elimination votes.

The remaining traitor 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 equally disappointed.

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

"Your legacy will remain in Traitors history," posted another user.

However, there remained little opportunity to dwell on their elimination. Before long, the game reached the final stage - which was the moment everyone anticipated.

The last players stood over the fire pit. 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 turned against them.

"This pains me to be stabbed in the back at the final moment in that manner," remarked the ousted contestant. Subsequently, it was revealed that if they ever communicate, the eliminated contestant refers to the other by a betrayer's name.

Finally, just three players were still competing: the last participants.

A contestant, appearing quite pleased, voted to end the competition. The same decision was made by another, and everything depended on the final participant, who made the identical choice - which meant that the traitor emerged victorious.

For observers, the moment where remaining contestants consoled the winner was "compelling television". "I predict it will be a contender for outstanding scene at television honors," they said.

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

"What a rollercoaster. I thought I was terrible at deception, I had no poker face and here I am a winner," the winner said.

He also made light of the memorable elimination - his best friend during the initial stages - by reaching over the presenter in the concluding moments and making contact.

"There's something on your face," he said, with his trademark giggle.

The recent episodes of famous people scheming, plotting and the occasional surprising incidents may seem like one big crazy jumbled dream. But it really did all happen. And we will miss it.