After multiple episodes of suspense, plots and backstabbing, Celebrity Traitors has reached a thrilling finale

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

Throughout the season, audiences saw murders, betrayals, serious side-eye, and a memorable moment that pierced the overwhelming tension.

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

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

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

Ultimately, funny man Alan Carr emerged as the winner, in a surprising outcome that broke the internet and made him tearful.

"This has been destroying me, my apologies," he exclaimed, admitting to the other players that he'd always been one of the deceivers. "I feel terrible about this."

"You played amazingly," they consoled 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 better conclusion," stated another, while someone else described it as "the television highlight of the year."

His chosen charity, a cancer charity, gets to keep all the prize money, with the final pot amounting to eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

Alan Carr's transformation from comic relief to cold-hearted killer was one of the standout highlights of the season.

But his win still shocked viewers in shock, as noted by entertainment reporters.

"The thought of him, of all people, executing an expert performance in deception felt about as likely as him keeping composure through his comedy routines."

During follow-up conversations, the other contestants explained the reasons nobody had ever really suspected him.

"Alan could have appeared to the morning meal in a green cloak and I still wouldn't have thought he was deceiving us. I was too busy laughing," a player said.

"Most people didn't target him because how can you eliminate someone who is so charming?" asked a different contestant.

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

"I'd like to participate once more... I doubt it would work again!"

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

There was some very uplifting, and very un-Traitors-esque music, as the episode revisited key scenes from each of the finalists' time in the castle.

As ever, the comedian provided unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I began this game a bit of a nervous wreck. I've betrayed close allies to save myself, I've murdered beloved figures in plain sight. I'm clearly a better liar and traitor than I thought."

At the same time, a different player commented that being in the final was "significantly more pressure than competing with a national team", while another said he was "totally surprised" to have made it so far.

In the beginning in the episode, various contestants appeared to be making a bid 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 a checked maroon suit, later switching into an embellished light-colored outfit.

However, he got out-jacketted by a fellow player's burgundy formal wear. Impressive style.

Following this was the challenge, with the remaining contestants boarding a train named - naturally - The Traitors Express.

The challenge saw them ripping up portraits of eliminated players. Spare a thought for a player who managed to get hit in the head THREE times by the lid of a heavy wooden box.

Soon after, the moment arrived for the elimination discussion.

Two traitors did a pinky promise in advance, vowing to support each other. "We've progressed significantly, I won't betray him," stated one, while the other simply laughed.

However, one did stick to his promise. Yet, having slipped unnoticed for the majority of the competition, the other still received the majority elimination votes.

The remaining traitor appeared to be experiencing significant distress to be the final deceiver remaining. "Now I'm on my own, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, without direction."

Online platforms and viewers were equally disappointed.

"I hoped against this contestant to be banished. An endearing deceiver," commented an observer.

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

But there was no time to dwell on their elimination. Before long, they were at the endgame - this being the moment everyone anticipated.

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

One contestant was eliminated in dramatic fashion - after a shock vote from their ally, who turned against them.

"It hurts to be betrayed at the final moment like that," said the ousted contestant. Subsequently, we learned that when they message, the betrayed player calls the other as a traitor.

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

One player, looking incredibly smug, voted to end the game. The same decision was made by another, and it all came down to the third, who made the identical choice - resulting in the traitor was the winner.

According to commentators, the moment where the other players consoled the winner was "beautiful TV". "I predict it could be in the running for outstanding scene at television honors," they commented.

Fortunately, the champion quickly regained composure 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 a winner," the winner said.

And he even joked about that infamous murder - his best friend during the initial stages - by leaning toward the host in the concluding moments and making contact.

"There's something on your face," he said, with his trademark giggle.

The recent episodes of celebrity gossiping, scheming and the occasional unexpected moments may seem like one big crazy jumbled dream. But it really did occur. It will be remembered fondly.