Following multiple episodes of tension, schemes and backstabbing, The Celebrity Traitors has reached a nail-biting finale

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

Throughout the season, viewers witnessed murders, double-crosses, intense glares, and an unforgettable incident that pierced the overwhelming suspense.

Yet on Thursday night, the ultimate victor of the first celebrity edition was revealed.

From nineteen participants, just a handful remained: Traitors and faithfuls competing for the prize.

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

Ultimately, comedian Alan Carr emerged as the champion, in a shocking outcome that went viral and made him tearful.

"This has been destroying me, my apologies," he declared, admitting to the remaining faithfuls that he'd always been one of the deceivers. "I'm an awful human being."

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

Social media immediately exploded with this development. "The worst deceiver being the most effective player," wrote a viewer.

"It couldn't have been a better conclusion," wrote another, while a third described it as "the television highlight of the year."

The organization he selected, Neuroblastoma UK, will receive all the prize money, with the final pot reaching £87,500.

The comedian's evolution from comic relief to cold-hearted killer was one of the standout highlights of the season.

However, his victory still shocked viewers surprised, as noted by entertainment reporters.

"The thought of him, of all people, pulling off a masterclass in deceit felt just as probable as him maintaining a straight face through his comedy routines."

On subsequent discussions, fellow players explained why no one had truly doubted him.

"Alan could have come down to breakfast in a green cloak and I still wouldn't have thought he was deceiving us. I was too busy laughing," one participant said.

"The majority didn't target him because how does one eliminate someone who is so charming?" asked another celebrity.

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

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

Thursday evening's episode was extended to 70 minutes on television. It had a different start than typical episodes, as all the celebs knew who'd make it at the morning gathering.

Viewers heard particularly inspiring, and atypical for the show music, as the episode revisited some moments from each of the finalists' time in the castle.

True to form, Alan Carr gave us unforgettable quotes.

"Let's face it, I began this game a bit of an anxious mess. I've betrayed some really good friends to save myself, I've eliminated beloved figures openly. I'm clearly more deceptive and player than I thought."

At the same time, another contestant noted that reaching the conclusion was "way more stressful than playing for 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 appeared to be attempting to become the new style icon of the competition, replacing the previously eliminated fashionable contestant.

Carr emerged at the morning meal resembling a 1950s US chat show host in patterned burgundy attire, later switching into an embellished light-colored outfit.

However, he got outstyled by a fellow player's maroon velvet tuxedo. Impressive style.

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

This task involved destroying images of former contestants. Spare a thought for a player who managed to get hit in the head multiple times by the cover of a substantial container.

Soon after, the moment arrived for the roundtable.

Two traitors did a pinky promise beforehand, vowing to support each other. "We've progressed significantly, I won't throw him under a bus," stated a player, while their partner simply laughed.

And one adhered to their agreement. Yet, having slipped unnoticed for most of the game, the other still got the most votes.

The remaining traitor appeared he was in a world of pain to be the final deceiver remaining. "Now I'm on my own, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm unpredictable, a rudderless ship."

Online platforms and onlookers were equally disappointed.

"I hoped against this contestant to be eliminated. A truly loveable traitor," commented an observer.

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

But there was little opportunity to focus on this departure. Soon, the game reached the endgame - which was what we were really all here for.

The final four gathered around the fire pit. And the alliance collapsed, precisely 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 betrayed them.

"This pains me to be stabbed in the back last minute in that manner," said the ousted contestant. Subsequently, it was revealed that when they message, the eliminated contestant refers to their former ally by a betrayer's name.

Ultimately, only three contestants remained in the game: the final trio.

One player, appearing quite pleased, chose to conclude the game. So did another, and it all came down to the final participant, who did the same - resulting in the deceiver emerged victorious.

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

Fortunately, the winner soon recovered from his emotional outburst, and could finally appreciate the moment.

"Such an emotional journey. I was awful at lying, my expressions gave me away and now I stand the champion," he said.

He also joked about that infamous murder - his close ally during the initial stages - by reaching over the presenter in the concluding moments and making contact.

"There's something on your face," he said, with his characteristic laugh.

The recent episodes of celebrity gossiping, plotting and the occasional surprising incidents may seem like a bizarre fantasy. But it really did occur. And we will miss it.