After multiple episodes of tension, plots and backstabbing, Celebrity Traitors has reached a thrilling end

Spoiler alert - This article reveals details from The Celebrity Traitors finale

Over the course of the show, audiences saw eliminations, betrayals, serious side-eye, and a memorable moment that cut through all suspense.

However on Thursday night, the ultimate victor of the inaugural celebrity edition was revealed.

Out of nineteen participants, just a handful remained: Traitors and loyal players facing off for the prize.

Soon, the competition tightened to only three contenders: the final players.

Ultimately, funny man Alan Carr emerged as the champion, in a shocking result that went viral and made him tearful.

"It's been tearing me apart, I'm so sorry," he exclaimed, revealing to the other players that he was actually a traitor. "I feel terrible about this."

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

Online platforms quickly erupted with the news. "The worst deceiver being the most effective player," wrote one user.

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

His chosen charity, a cancer charity, gets to keep the entire winnings, with the final pot reaching £87,500.

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

However, his victory still shocked viewers surprised, as noted by industry observers.

"The idea of Alan, among everyone, executing a masterclass in deception felt just as probable as him keeping composure through his comedy routines."

During follow-up conversations, fellow players explained the reasons nobody had truly doubted him.

"He might have appeared to the morning meal in traitor attire 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 vote for a person so charming?" asked another celebrity.

The winner stated he had "absolutely loved" his experience with the program.

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

Thursday evening's episode was extended to 70 minutes on television. It had an unusual opening than typical episodes, as every celebrity knew who'd make it at the breakfast table.

There was particularly inspiring, and very un-Traitors-esque soundtrack, as we recapped key scenes from each of the finalists' time in the castle.

As ever, Alan Carr gave us unforgettable quotes.

"Let's face it, I started this game as something of a nervous wreck. I've thrown some really good friends under the bus, I've eliminated beloved figures in plain sight. Apparently I'm more deceptive and traitor than I believed."

Meanwhile, another contestant commented that being in the final was "significantly more pressure than competing with England", while someone else said he was "totally surprised" to have lasted this long.

Early on of the finale, various contestants seemed to be attempting to become the fashion standout of the castle, taking over from the previously eliminated fashionable contestant.

Carr emerged at the morning meal resembling a 1950s US chat show host in patterned burgundy attire, before changing into a bejewelled white suit.

However, he got outstyled by another contestant's burgundy formal wear. Impressive style.

Next up was the challenge, with the remaining contestants getting on board a locomotive called - of course - The Traitors Express.

This task involved destroying images of eliminated players. Have sympathy for one participant who was hit on the head THREE times by the cover of a heavy wooden box.

Before long, it was time for the elimination discussion.

Two traitors made a pact in advance, pledging to support each other. "We've come a long way, I won't betray him," said one, while the other 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 last deceiver looked like he was in significant distress to be the last traitor standing. "Being alone, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, without direction."

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 the show's legacy," wrote a different viewer.

But there was little opportunity to dwell on their elimination. Soon, the game reached the final stage - which was the moment everyone anticipated.

The last players stood over the ceremonial fire. Meanwhile, the partnership broke down, precisely when it mattered the most, in an absolutely shocking development.

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

"It hurts to be stabbed in the back at the final moment in that manner," remarked the ousted contestant. Later, it was revealed that if they ever communicate, the betrayed player refers to the other by a betrayer's name.

Ultimately, only three contestants remained in the game: the last participants.

A contestant, looking incredibly smug, chose to conclude the competition. So did a different player, and it all came down to the third, who made the identical choice - which meant that the deceiver emerged victorious.

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

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

"Such an emotional journey. I was awful at lying, my expressions gave me away and here I am a winner," he said.

He also made light of that infamous murder - his best friend in an early episode - by reaching over the host in the concluding moments and making contact.

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

The recent episodes of celebrity gossiping, plotting and sometimes unexpected moments may feel like one big crazy jumbled dream. Yet it actually occur. It will be remembered fondly.