After weeks of suspense, schemes and backstabbing, The Celebrity Traitors concludes with a thrilling finale

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

Over the course of the show, viewers witnessed eliminations, betrayals, intense glares, and an unforgettable incident that pierced all tension.

Yet on Thursday night, the ultimate victor of the first Celebrity Traitors was revealed.

Out of nineteen participants, only five were left standing: Deceivers and loyal players competing for the winnings.

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

Ultimately, comedian Alan Carr was crowned the champion, in a surprising outcome that broke the internet and made him tearful.

"This has been destroying me, my apologies," he exclaimed, revealing to the other players that he'd always been a traitor. "I feel terrible about this."

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

Social media quickly erupted with this development. "Most awful traitor ever being the best traitor ever," wrote a viewer.

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

His chosen charity, Neuroblastoma UK, will receive the entire winnings, with the total amount amounting to £87,500.

The comedian's evolution from comic relief to strategic player was among the most memorable aspects of the series.

But his win still shocked viewers in shock, according to industry observers.

"The idea of Alan, of all people, executing a masterclass in deceit felt just as probable as him keeping a straight face through his comedy routines."

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

"Alan could have appeared to breakfast in a green cloak 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 does one vote for a person so loveable?" asked a different contestant.

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

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

The final installment was extended to over an hour on television. It had a different start than usual, as every celebrity were aware who'd make it at the breakfast table.

Viewers heard some very uplifting, and atypical for the show soundtrack, as we recapped key scenes from every remaining player's time in the castle.

True to form, Alan Carr provided unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I started the competition as something of a nervous wreck. I've thrown close allies under the bus, I've murdered beloved figures in plain sight. I'm clearly a better liar and traitor than I believed."

Meanwhile, another contestant noted that being in the final was "way more stressful than playing for England", while someone else said he was "completely amazed" to have lasted this long.

In the beginning in the episode, several players seemed to be attempting to become the new style icon of the castle, taking over from the previously eliminated fashionable contestant.

The winner appeared at breakfast resembling a vintage television personality in patterned burgundy attire, before changing into a bejewelled white suit.

But he was outstyled by another contestant's maroon velvet tuxedo. What a look.

Next up was the challenge, with the remaining contestants boarding a locomotive called - of course - The Traitors Express.

This task involved ripping up images of eliminated players. Spare a thought for a player who managed to get hit in the head THREE times by the cover of a heavy wooden box.

Before long, the moment arrived for the roundtable.

The deceivers made a pact in advance, pledging to support each other. "We've come a long way, I won't betray him," said one, while their partner just giggled.

However, one adhered to their agreement. Yet, managing to stay unnoticed for most of the game, the other still received the majority elimination votes.

The remaining traitor looked like he was in significant distress to be the final deceiver remaining. "Being alone, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm unpredictable, a rudderless ship."

Online platforms and viewers were similarly upset.

"I did NOT want this contestant to be banished. An endearing deceiver," commented an observer.

"Your legacy will remain in the show's legacy," posted another user.

However, there remained little opportunity to focus on this departure. Before long, they were at the final stage - which was the moment everyone anticipated.

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

One contestant was eliminated in dramatic fashion - after a shock vote from their partner, who turned against them.

"It hurts to be betrayed last minute in that manner," said the eliminated player. Later, we learned that if they ever communicate, the betrayed player calls the other as a traitor.

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

A contestant, looking incredibly smug, voted to end the game. So did a different player, and everything depended on the third, who did the same - which meant that the deceiver emerged victorious.

According to commentators, the scene where the other players comforted the winner was "compelling television". "I predict it could be in the running for outstanding scene at television honors," they commented.

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

"Such an emotional journey. I was awful at lying, my expressions gave me away and here I am the champion," the winner said.

And he even joked about that infamous murder - his close ally in an early episode - by reaching over the presenter in the final scene and touching her cheek.

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

The last few weeks of famous people scheming, plotting and sometimes unexpected moments may seem like one big crazy jumbled dream. Yet it actually all happen. And we will miss it.