After weeks of tension, plots and backstabbing, Celebrity Traitors has reached a nail-biting finale

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

Over the course of the show, viewers witnessed eliminations, double-crosses, intense glares, and an unforgettable incident that pierced the overwhelming tension.

Yet on Thursday night, the final winner of the first celebrity edition emerged triumphant.

From 19 contestants, only five remained: Deceivers and loyal players competing for the winnings.

Soon, the field narrowed to just three: the final players.

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

"It's been tearing me apart, I'm so sorry," he exclaimed, revealing to the remaining faithfuls that he'd always been one of the deceivers. "I'm an awful human being."

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

Social media immediately exploded with the news. "The worst deceiver being the best traitor ever," wrote one user.

"There could not have been a better conclusion," wrote a different person, while a third called it "the TV moment of the year."

His chosen charity, Neuroblastoma UK, gets to keep the entire winnings, with the total amount amounting to eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

The comedian's evolution from comic relief to cold-hearted killer was among the most memorable aspects of the season.

But his win still shocked viewers surprised, according to entertainment reporters.

"The idea of Alan, of all people, pulling off a masterclass in deceit felt about as likely as him maintaining 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 come down to the morning meal in traitor attire and I wouldn't have believed he was a traitor. I was too busy laughing," a player said.

"The majority didn't vote for him because how does one vote for a person so loveable?" questioned another celebrity.

The winner stated he had "thoroughly enjoyed" his time on the program.

"I'd like to participate once more... I doubt it would be successful again!"

Thursday evening's installment was extended to over an hour on television. It had a different start than usual, as all the celebs were aware who would appear at the breakfast table.

There was some very uplifting, and very un-Traitors-esque soundtrack, as we recapped key scenes from each of the finalists' time in the castle.

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

"To be honest, I started this game as something of an anxious mess. I've thrown close allies under the bus, I've murdered national treasures in plain sight. I'm clearly more deceptive and player than I thought."

Meanwhile, a different player noted that reaching the conclusion was "significantly more pressure than competing with a national team", while another said he was "totally surprised" to have lasted this long.

Early on in the episode, various contestants seemed to be making a bid to become the new style icon of the competition, replacing an earlier departed style leader.

Carr emerged at the morning meal looking like a 1950s US chat show host in patterned burgundy attire, before changing into an embellished light-colored outfit.

But he was outstyled by a fellow player's burgundy formal wear. What a look.

Next up was the competition, with the remaining contestants getting on board a locomotive called - naturally - The Traitors Express.

This task saw them ripping up portraits of eliminated players. Have sympathy for a player who was hit on the head THREE times by the cover of a substantial container.

Soon after, the moment arrived for the elimination discussion.

The deceivers did a pinky promise beforehand, pledging to support each other. "We've progressed significantly, I'm not going to betray him," stated one, while their partner just giggled.

However, one adhered to their agreement. But, managing to stay under the radar for most of the game, the other still got the most votes.

The last deceiver appeared to be experiencing significant distress to be the last traitor standing. "Being alone, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm unpredictable, without direction."

Online platforms and viewers were similarly upset.

"I did NOT want that player to be eliminated. A truly loveable traitor," said a commentator.

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

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 final four stood over the fire pit. And the alliance broke down, just when it mattered the most, in an absolutely shocking development.

A player was eliminated in dramatic fashion - following a surprising decision from their partner, who betrayed them.

"It hurts to be stabbed in the back last minute like that," remarked the ousted contestant. Later, it was revealed that when they message, the betrayed player refers to their former ally by a betrayer's name.

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

A contestant, appearing quite pleased, chose to conclude the competition. So did a different player, and everything depended on the third, who made the identical choice - resulting in the traitor was the winner.

For observers, the scene where remaining contestants comforted the winner was "beautiful TV". "I anticipate it could be a contender for outstanding scene at next year's awards," they commented.

Fortunately, the winner quickly regained composure from his emotional outburst, and could finally appreciate 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 joked about that infamous murder - his best friend during the initial stages - by leaning toward the presenter in the concluding moments and touching her cheek.

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

The recent episodes of celebrity gossiping, plotting and sometimes surprising incidents may seem like a bizarre fantasy. But it really did all happen. It will be remembered fondly.