After multiple episodes of tension, schemes and sabotage, Celebrity Traitors has reached a nail-biting finale

Warning: spoilers ahead - This article discloses key moments from The Celebrity Traitors finale

Throughout the season, viewers witnessed murders, betrayals, serious side-eye, and a memorable moment that cut through all suspense.

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

From 19 contestants, only five were left standing: Traitors and faithfuls competing for the prize.

Soon, the field narrowed to just three: the remaining contestants.

In the end, funny man Alan Carr emerged as the champion, in a surprising 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 did brilliantly," they comforted him. "It's all right."

Social media immediately exploded with this development. "Most awful traitor ever being the best traitor ever," wrote a viewer.

"It couldn't have been a more iconic ending," stated another, while a third called it "the television highlight of the year."

The organization he selected, a cancer charity, gets to keep all the prize money, with the final pot reaching eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

The comedian's evolution from giggle liability to strategic player was one of the standout highlights of the series.

But his win still left the nation surprised, as noted by industry observers.

"The idea of Alan, of all people, executing an expert performance in deception felt about as likely as him maintaining a straight face through his comedy routines."

On subsequent discussions, fellow players summed up the reasons nobody 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. His humor distracted me," one participant said.

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

Carr said he had "absolutely loved" 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 the network. It had a different start than usual, as all the celebs knew who would appear at the breakfast table.

Viewers heard some very uplifting, and atypical for the show soundtrack, as the episode revisited some moments from each of the finalists' time in the castle.

As ever, Alan Carr gave us unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I began the competition as something of an anxious mess. I've thrown some really good friends to save myself, I've eliminated beloved figures openly. I'm clearly a better liar and player than I believed."

Meanwhile, a different player commented that being in the final was "significantly more pressure than competing with England", while someone else said he was "completely amazed" to have lasted this long.

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

The winner appeared at breakfast looking like a vintage television personality in patterned burgundy attire, before changing into an embellished light-colored outfit.

However, he got outstyled by a fellow player's burgundy formal wear. What a look.

Following this was the competition, with the final players boarding a train named - of course - The Traitors Express.

The challenge saw them ripping up portraits of former contestants. Have sympathy for one participant who managed to get hit on the head THREE times by the lid of a heavy wooden box.

Soon after, the moment arrived for the elimination discussion.

The deceivers did a pinky promise beforehand, pledging to stick together. "We've progressed significantly, I won't betray him," stated a player, while their partner simply laughed.

However, one did stick to their agreement. But, having slipped unnoticed for most of the game, the other still received the majority elimination votes.

The remaining traitor 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."

Online platforms and onlookers were similarly upset.

"I did NOT want this contestant to be banished. An endearing deceiver," said an observer.

"You will forever be remembered in Traitors history," posted a different viewer.

However, there remained no time to focus on their elimination. Before long, they were at the final stage - this being the moment everyone anticipated.

The final four stood over the ceremonial fire. Meanwhile, the partnership broke down, just when it mattered the most, in a truly WTF moment.

One contestant was eliminated in dramatic fashion - following a surprising decision from their ally, who betrayed them.

"It hurts to be betrayed at the final moment in that manner," said the ousted contestant. Subsequently, it was revealed that when they message, the betrayed player refers to their former ally by a betrayer's name.

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

A contestant, appearing quite pleased, voted to end the game. The same decision was made by another, and everything depended on the third, who made the identical choice - resulting in the deceiver was the winner.

According to commentators, the scene where remaining contestants consoled the champion was "compelling television". "I predict it could be a contender for memorable moment at television honors," they said.

Happily, the winner quickly regained composure from his bout of tears, and could finally appreciate his victory.

"Such an emotional journey. I was awful at lying, I had no poker face and now I stand the champion," he said.

He also made light of the memorable elimination - his best friend in an early episode - by leaning toward the presenter in the final scene and touching her cheek.

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

The recent episodes of famous people scheming, scheming and the occasional unexpected moments may feel like one big crazy jumbled dream. Yet it actually occur. It will be remembered fondly.