After weeks of suspense, schemes and sabotage, The Celebrity Traitors has reached a nail-biting finale

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

Throughout the season, viewers witnessed murders, double-crosses, serious side-eye, and a memorable moment that pierced the overwhelming suspense.

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

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

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

In the end, comedian 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, revealing to the remaining faithfuls that he'd always been a traitor. "I'm an awful human being."

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

Social media immediately exploded with this development. "Most awful traitor ever being the most effective player," commented a viewer.

"It couldn't have been a more iconic ending," wrote another, while a third described it as "the TV moment of the year."

His chosen charity, 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 series.

But his win still left the nation surprised, according to entertainment reporters.

"The thought of him, among everyone, executing a masterclass in deceit felt about as likely as him maintaining a straight face through one of his own punchlines."

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

"He might 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," a player said.

"The majority didn't vote for him because how does one vote for a person so charming?" questioned a different contestant.

Carr said 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 lengthened to 70 minutes on television. It had a different start than typical episodes, as every celebrity knew who'd make it at the morning gathering.

There was some very uplifting, and very un-Traitors-esque soundtrack, as the episode revisited some moments from every remaining player's experience in the game.

True to form, Alan Carr provided some of the most memorable lines.

"Let's face it, I began the competition as something of an anxious mess. I've thrown close allies to save myself, I've murdered national treasures openly. Apparently I'm more deceptive and player than I believed."

Meanwhile, another contestant commented that being in the final was "significantly more pressure than playing for a national team", while another said he was "totally surprised" to have made it so far.

In the beginning of the finale, several players seemed to be making a bid to become the fashion standout of the castle, taking over from the previously eliminated style leader.

Carr emerged at breakfast looking like a 1950s US chat show host in patterned burgundy attire, later switching into a bejewelled white suit.

But he was out-jacketted by another contestant's maroon velvet tuxedo. What a look.

Next up was the competition, with the remaining contestants boarding a train named - naturally - The Traitors Express.

The challenge involved destroying portraits of former contestants. Have sympathy for a player who managed to get hit on the head THREE times by the cover of a substantial container.

Soon after, it was time for the elimination discussion.

Two traitors did a pinky promise beforehand, pledging to support each other. "We've come a long way, I'm not going to throw him under a bus," said one, while the other simply laughed.

However, one did stick 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 looked like to be experiencing significant distress to be the final deceiver remaining. "Being alone, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, a rudderless ship."

Online platforms and viewers were similarly upset.

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

"Your legacy will remain in the show's legacy," posted another user.

But there was no time to focus on their elimination. Soon, the game reached the endgame - 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 a truly WTF moment.

One contestant was painfully banished - following a surprising decision from their ally, who betrayed them.

"It hurts to be betrayed at the final moment in that manner," said the eliminated player. Later, it was revealed that if they ever communicate, the eliminated contestant calls their former ally as a traitor.

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

One player, looking incredibly smug, voted to end the game. So did another, and it all came down to the final participant, who made the identical choice - which meant that the traitor emerged victorious.

According to commentators, the moment where remaining contestants comforted the winner was "compelling television". "I anticipate it will be in the running for memorable moment at television honors," they commented.

Fortunately, the champion quickly regained composure from his bout of tears, and could finally appreciate the moment.

"What a rollercoaster. I was awful at lying, my expressions gave me away and here I am a winner," he said.

He also joked about that infamous murder - his close ally in an early episode - by leaning toward the presenter in the concluding moments and making contact.

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

The last few weeks of famous people scheming, plotting and sometimes surprising incidents may seem like a bizarre fantasy. But it really did all happen. It will be remembered fondly.