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

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

Throughout the season, audiences saw murders, double-crosses, intense glares, and a memorable moment that cut through all suspense.

However on the final evening, the final winner of the inaugural Celebrity Traitors emerged triumphant.

Out of 19 contestants, just a handful were left standing: Deceivers and loyal players facing off for the winnings.

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

In the end, comedian Alan Carr was crowned the winner, in a shocking outcome that broke the internet and left him emotional.

"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. "It's all right."

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

"There could not have been a more iconic ending," stated another, while a third called it "the TV moment of the year."

The organization he selected, a cancer charity, will receive the entire winnings, with the total amount amounting to £87,500.

Alan Carr's transformation from giggle liability to strategic player was among the most memorable aspects of the season.

But his win still shocked viewers surprised, as noted by industry observers.

"The thought of him, among everyone, executing an expert performance in deception felt about as likely as him keeping a straight face through one of his own punchlines."

During follow-up conversations, the other contestants summed up the reasons nobody had ever really suspected him.

"He might have come down to the morning meal in a green cloak and I still wouldn't have thought he was deceiving us. His humor distracted me," a player said.

"Most people didn't target him because how can you eliminate a person so loveable?" questioned another celebrity.

The winner stated he had "thoroughly enjoyed" his experience with the show.

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

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

There was some very uplifting, and atypical for the show music, as the episode revisited key scenes from every remaining player's time in the castle.

As ever, the comedian provided unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I began this game a bit of an anxious mess. I've thrown close allies under the bus, I've murdered national treasures in plain sight. Apparently I'm a better liar and traitor than I believed."

Meanwhile, a different player noted that reaching the conclusion was "way more stressful than playing for a national team", while someone else said he was "totally surprised" to have lasted this long.

Early on of the finale, various contestants appeared to be making a bid to become the new style icon of the castle, taking over from an earlier departed style leader.

The winner appeared at breakfast resembling a vintage television personality in a checked maroon suit, later switching into an embellished light-colored outfit.

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

Following this was the competition, with the remaining contestants getting on board a train named - of course - The Traitors Express.

The challenge involved destroying portraits of eliminated players. Spare a thought for one participant who was hit on the head THREE times by the lid of a substantial container.

Before long, the moment arrived for the elimination discussion.

Two traitors did a pinky promise in advance, pledging to stick together. "We've progressed significantly, I won't betray him," stated a player, while the other simply laughed.

However, one adhered to their agreement. Yet, having slipped under the radar for the majority of the competition, their partner still got the most votes.

The last deceiver looked like he was in a world of pain to be the final deceiver remaining. "Being alone, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm unpredictable, a rudderless ship."

Social media and onlookers were similarly upset.

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

"You will forever be remembered in the show's legacy," posted another user.

But there was no time to dwell on their elimination. Soon, the game reached the endgame - this being the moment everyone anticipated.

The last players gathered around the fire pit. Meanwhile, the partnership collapsed, precisely when it was most crucial, in an absolutely shocking development.

A player was painfully banished - following a surprising decision from their partner, who turned against them.

"This pains me to be betrayed at the final moment in that manner," remarked the eliminated player. Subsequently, it was revealed that when they message, the betrayed player refers to 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 competition. So did a different player, and it all came down to the third, who did the same - resulting in the deceiver was the winner.

For observers, the scene where remaining contestants consoled the champion was "beautiful TV". "I predict it could be in the running for memorable moment at next year's awards," they commented.

Happily, the champion quickly regained composure from his bout of tears, and was able to enjoy the moment.

"What a rollercoaster. I thought I was terrible at deception, I had no poker face and now I stand a winner," the winner said.

And he even joked about the memorable elimination - his best friend during the initial stages - by reaching over the host in the final scene and touching her cheek.

"You've got something on your face," he said, with his trademark giggle.

The recent episodes of celebrity gossiping, scheming and sometimes unexpected moments may seem like one big crazy jumbled dream. But it really did occur. It will be remembered fondly.