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

Spoiler alert - This article reveals key moments from Celebrity Traitors finale

Over the course of the show, viewers witnessed murders, betrayals, serious side-eye, and an unforgettable incident that cut through the overwhelming tension.

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

Out of nineteen participants, only five remained: Traitors and faithfuls facing off for the winnings.

Soon, the competition tightened to just three: the remaining contestants.

Ultimately, funny man Alan Carr emerged as the champion, in a shocking outcome that broke the internet and made him tearful.

"It's been tearing me apart, my apologies," he exclaimed, revealing to the remaining faithfuls that he'd always been a traitor. "I'm an awful human being."

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

Online platforms quickly erupted with the news. "Most awful traitor ever being the most effective player," wrote one user.

"It couldn't have been a more iconic ending," wrote another, while a third described it as "the TV moment of the year."

His chosen charity, a cancer charity, will receive the entire winnings, with the total amount reaching £87,500.

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

However, his victory still left the nation surprised, according to industry observers.

"The thought of him, among everyone, pulling off a masterclass in deceit felt just as probable as him keeping composure through his comedy routines."

On subsequent discussions, the other contestants explained the reasons nobody had truly doubted him.

"Alan could have appeared to the morning meal in traitor attire and I still wouldn't have thought he was deceiving us. I was too busy laughing," one participant said.

"Most people didn't target him because how does one vote for someone who is so loveable?" asked a different contestant.

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

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

Thursday evening's installment was extended to over an hour on television. There was an unusual opening than typical episodes, as all the celebs were aware who'd make it at the breakfast table.

There was particularly inspiring, and very un-Traitors-esque music, as the episode revisited key scenes from each of the finalists' experience in the game.

True to form, the comedian gave us unforgettable quotes.

"Let's face it, I started the competition a bit of an anxious mess. I've betrayed close allies under the bus, I've eliminated national treasures openly. I'm clearly more deceptive and traitor than I believed."

Meanwhile, a different player noted that being in the final was "way more stressful than competing with a national team", while someone else said he was "completely amazed" to have made it so far.

In the beginning of the finale, several players seemed to be attempting to become the fashion standout of the competition, taking over from an earlier departed style leader.

The winner appeared at the morning meal resembling a vintage television personality in a checked maroon suit, before changing into an embellished light-colored outfit.

However, he got outstyled by another contestant's maroon velvet tuxedo. Impressive style.

Next up was the challenge, with the final players getting on board a locomotive called - of course - The Traitors Express.

The challenge saw them destroying images of eliminated players. Have sympathy for one participant who was hit in the head multiple times by the cover of a heavy wooden box.

Before long, it was time for the elimination discussion.

The deceivers did a pinky promise beforehand, vowing to support each other. "We've come a long way, I'm not going to betray him," said one, while the other just giggled.

However, one adhered to his promise. Yet, managing to stay under the radar for the majority of the competition, their partner still got the most votes.

The remaining traitor appeared he was in a world of pain to be the last traitor standing. "Being alone, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm unpredictable, without direction."

Social media and viewers were equally disappointed.

"I hoped against this contestant to be banished. An endearing deceiver," said an observer.

"You will forever be remembered in Traitors history," posted a different viewer.

However, there remained no time to focus on this departure. Soon, the game reached the final stage - which was the moment everyone anticipated.

The final four stood over the fire pit. Meanwhile, the partnership broke down, just 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 turned against them.

"This pains me to be betrayed at the final moment like that," remarked the eliminated player. Later, it was revealed 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, chose to conclude the game. So did a different player, and it all came down to the final participant, who did the same - resulting in the deceiver was the winner.

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

Happily, the winner soon recovered from his emotional outburst, and was able to enjoy his victory.

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

He also made light of that infamous murder - his close ally during the initial stages - by reaching over the presenter in the concluding moments and touching her cheek.

"You've got 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 a bizarre fantasy. But it really did occur. It will be remembered fondly.