Following multiple episodes of suspense, schemes and backstabbing, The Celebrity Traitors has reached a thrilling end

Spoiler alert - This piece reveals key moments from The Celebrity Traitors finale

Over the course of the show, viewers witnessed murders, betrayals, serious side-eye, and a memorable moment that pierced the overwhelming suspense.

However on Thursday night, the final winner of the first celebrity edition was revealed.

Out of nineteen participants, just a handful were left standing: Traitors and loyal players facing off for the winnings.

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

Ultimately, 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, I'm so sorry," he exclaimed, admitting to the other players that he was actually a traitor. "I'm an awful human being."

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

Social media immediately exploded with this development. "The worst deceiver being the best traitor ever," commented one user.

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

The organization he selected, Neuroblastoma UK, will receive all the prize money, with the total amount reaching eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

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

However, his victory still left the nation in shock, as noted by industry observers.

"The thought of him, of all people, executing an expert performance in deception felt about as likely as him maintaining composure through one of his own punchlines."

On subsequent discussions, fellow players explained the reasons nobody had truly doubted him.

"Alan could have come down to breakfast in a green cloak and I still wouldn't have thought he was a traitor. His humor distracted me," one participant said.

"The majority didn't target him because how can you eliminate a person so loveable?" questioned a different contestant.

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

"I want to do it again... I don't think it would be successful a second time!"

The final installment was lengthened to over an hour on the network. It had an unusual opening than typical episodes, as all the celebs knew who'd make it at the breakfast table.

Viewers heard particularly inspiring, and very un-Traitors-esque soundtrack, as the episode revisited some moments from each of the finalists' time in the castle.

As ever, the comedian provided unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I started the competition a bit of a nervous wreck. I've betrayed close allies to save myself, I've eliminated national treasures in plain sight. I'm clearly a better liar and traitor than I believed."

At the same time, a different player noted that being in the final was "significantly more pressure than competing with England", while another said he was "completely amazed" to have made it so far.

In the beginning of the finale, various contestants appeared to be making a bid to become the fashion standout of the castle, replacing an earlier departed fashionable contestant.

The winner appeared at breakfast looking like a 1950s US chat show host in patterned burgundy attire, later switching into an embellished light-colored outfit.

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

Following this was the competition, with the remaining contestants getting on board a locomotive called - of course - The Deceivers' Railway.

This task saw them ripping up portraits of former contestants. Spare a thought for one participant who was hit in the head multiple times by the lid of a heavy wooden box.

Soon after, it was time for the elimination discussion.

Two traitors did a pinky promise beforehand, pledging to stick together. "We've progressed significantly, I'm not going to throw him under a bus," said one, while their partner just giggled.

However, one did stick to his promise. But, managing to stay under the radar for most of the game, the other still got the most votes.

The remaining traitor looked like he was in a world of pain to be the final deceiver remaining. "Being alone, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm unpredictable, without direction."

Online platforms and viewers were equally disappointed.

"I did NOT want that player to be eliminated. An endearing deceiver," commented a commentator.

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

But there was little opportunity to focus on their elimination. Before long, the game reached the final stage - this being what we were really all here for.

The last players gathered around the ceremonial fire. And the alliance collapsed, precisely when it was most crucial, in a truly WTF moment.

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

"This pains me to be betrayed at the final moment like that," said the eliminated player. Subsequently, we learned that if they ever communicate, the betrayed player calls the other as a traitor.

Finally, only three contestants were still competing: the final trio.

One player, appearing quite pleased, chose to conclude the game. The same decision was made by another, and it all came down to the final participant, who did the same - resulting in the traitor emerged victorious.

According to commentators, the scene where remaining contestants comforted the winner was "beautiful TV". "I anticipate it will be in the running for memorable moment at next year's awards," they said.

Fortunately, the winner quickly regained composure from his emotional outburst, and was able to enjoy the moment.

"Such an emotional journey. I was awful at lying, I had no poker face and here I am the champion," the winner said.

He also joked about the memorable elimination - his close ally in an early episode - by reaching over the host in the final scene and making contact.

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

The last few weeks of famous people scheming, plotting and the occasional surprising incidents may feel like one big crazy jumbled dream. Yet it actually all happen. And we will miss it.