After multiple episodes of suspense, schemes and sabotage, The Celebrity Traitors has reached a thrilling finale

Warning: spoilers ahead - This article discloses details from Celebrity Traitors finale

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

Yet on Thursday night, the final winner of the first Celebrity Traitors was revealed.

Out of nineteen participants, only five were left standing: Deceivers and faithfuls facing off for the prize.

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

In the end, funny man Alan Carr emerged as the champion, in a shocking result that broke the internet and left him emotional.

"This has been destroying me, my apologies," he declared, revealing to the other players that he was actually one of the deceivers. "I'm an awful human being."

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

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

"It couldn't have been a more iconic ending," wrote 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 eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

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

However, his victory still shocked viewers surprised, according to entertainment reporters.

"The idea of Alan, among everyone, executing a masterclass in deceit felt about as likely as him maintaining composure through one of his own punchlines."

During follow-up conversations, fellow players explained why no one had truly doubted him.

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

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

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

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

The final installment was extended to 70 minutes on television. It had a different start than typical episodes, as all the celebs were aware who would appear at the breakfast table.

Viewers heard particularly inspiring, and atypical for the show soundtrack, as we recapped key scenes from each of the finalists' experience in the game.

As ever, Alan Carr provided unforgettable quotes.

"Let's face it, I started the competition a bit of a nervous wreck. I've betrayed some really good friends under the bus, I've murdered beloved figures openly. I'm clearly more deceptive and player than I thought."

At the same time, a different player noted that being in the final was "way more stressful than playing for England", while another said he was "totally surprised" to have lasted this long.

In the beginning of the finale, several players appeared to be making a bid to become the fashion standout of the castle, replacing the previously eliminated style leader.

The winner appeared at the morning meal resembling a vintage television personality 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 challenge, with the final players getting on board a locomotive called - naturally - The Deceivers' Railway.

The challenge saw them destroying portraits of eliminated players. Spare a thought for a player who managed to get hit on the head multiple times by the lid of a heavy wooden box.

Before long, it was time for the elimination discussion.

The deceivers made a pact beforehand, pledging to support each other. "We've come a long way, I won't betray him," stated a player, while their partner simply laughed.

However, one did stick to his promise. But, having slipped unnoticed for most of the game, their partner still got the most votes.

The remaining traitor appeared he was in significant distress to be the final deceiver remaining. "Being alone, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, without direction."

Online platforms and onlookers were equally disappointed.

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

"You will forever be remembered in Traitors history," posted another user.

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

The final four stood over the fire pit. Meanwhile, the partnership collapsed, just when it mattered the most, in an absolutely shocking development.

A player was painfully banished - after a shock vote from their partner, who betrayed them.

"This pains me to be stabbed in the back last minute like that," remarked the ousted contestant. Later, we learned that when they message, the betrayed player calls the other as a traitor.

Ultimately, just three players were still competing: the last participants.

One player, looking incredibly smug, chose to conclude the game. So did a different player, and it all came down to the final participant, who made the identical choice - which meant that the traitor was the winner.

For observers, the scene where remaining contestants consoled the champion was "beautiful TV". "I anticipate it will be a contender for memorable moment at television honors," they said.

Happily, 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 a winner," he said.

And he even made light of the memorable elimination - his best friend in an early episode - by leaning toward the presenter in the concluding moments and making contact.

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

The last few weeks of celebrity gossiping, plotting and the occasional unexpected moments may feel like a bizarre fantasy. But it really did occur. It will be remembered fondly.