Following weeks of tension, schemes and backstabbing, The Celebrity Traitors has reached a thrilling end

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

Throughout the season, audiences saw eliminations, double-crosses, intense glares, and an unforgettable incident that cut through the overwhelming tension.

However on the final evening, the final winner of the inaugural Celebrity Traitors was revealed.

Out of 19 contestants, only five remained: Traitors and loyal players facing off for the winnings.

Soon, the field narrowed to only three contenders: the final players.

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

"It's been tearing me apart, my apologies," he declared, admitting to the other players that he was actually one of the deceivers. "I'm an awful human being."

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

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

"It couldn't have been a better conclusion," wrote a different person, while a third described it as "the television highlight of the year."

The organization he selected, a cancer charity, will receive the entire winnings, with the total amount reaching eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

Alan Carr's transformation from comic relief to strategic player was among the most memorable aspects of the series.

But his win still shocked viewers in shock, as noted by entertainment reporters.

"The idea of Alan, of all people, executing an expert performance in deception felt just as probable as him keeping composure through his comedy routines."

During follow-up conversations, the other contestants explained why no one had truly doubted him.

"He might 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.

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

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

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

Thursday evening's episode was extended to 70 minutes on the network. There was an unusual opening than usual, as all the celebs were aware who'd make it at the breakfast table.

Viewers heard particularly inspiring, and very un-Traitors-esque music, as we recapped key scenes from each of the finalists' time in the castle.

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

"To be honest, I began this game as something of a nervous wreck. I've betrayed some really good friends to save myself, I've eliminated national treasures in plain sight. Apparently I'm more deceptive and player than I believed."

Meanwhile, a different player noted that reaching the conclusion was "way more stressful than competing with a national team", while another said he was "totally surprised" 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, taking over from an earlier departed style leader.

The winner appeared at the morning meal resembling a 1950s US chat show host in patterned burgundy attire, before changing into a bejewelled white suit.

However, he got out-jacketted by a fellow player's burgundy formal wear. Impressive style.

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

This task saw them ripping up portraits of eliminated players. Spare a thought for one participant who was hit in the head multiple times by the lid of a substantial container.

Before long, it was time for the roundtable.

The deceivers did a pinky promise in advance, pledging to support each other. "We've come a long way, I'm not going to throw him under a bus," stated one, while their partner simply laughed.

However, one adhered to their agreement. But, having slipped under the radar for the majority of the competition, their partner still received the majority elimination votes.

The last deceiver 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, a rudderless ship."

Online platforms and viewers were equally disappointed.

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

"You will forever be remembered in the show's legacy," posted a different viewer.

But there was little opportunity to dwell on their elimination. Soon, they were at the final stage - this being what we were really all here for.

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 eliminated in dramatic fashion - following a surprising decision from their ally, who betrayed them.

"It hurts to be betrayed at the final moment in that manner," said the ousted contestant. Subsequently, it was revealed that if they ever communicate, the eliminated contestant calls their former ally by a betrayer's name.

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

One player, looking incredibly smug, chose to conclude the competition. The same decision was made by a different player, and everything depended on the final participant, who did the same - which meant that the deceiver was the winner.

For observers, the moment where the other players consoled the winner was "beautiful TV". "I anticipate it will be a contender for outstanding scene at next year's awards," they said.

Fortunately, the champion soon recovered from his bout of tears, and was able to enjoy his victory.

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

He also made light of that infamous murder - his best friend in an early episode - by reaching over the host in the final scene and touching her cheek.

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

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