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

Spoiler alert - This article reveals key moments from Celebrity Traitors finale

Over the course of the show, audiences saw eliminations, betrayals, serious side-eye, and an unforgettable incident that pierced the overwhelming tension.

However on Thursday night, the ultimate victor of the first Celebrity Traitors emerged triumphant.

From 19 contestants, just a handful were left standing: Deceivers and faithfuls facing off for the prize.

Soon, the field narrowed to only three contenders: the remaining contestants.

In the end, funny man Alan Carr emerged as the winner, in a surprising result that went viral and made him tearful.

"This has been destroying me, my apologies," he declared, revealing to the remaining faithfuls that he'd always been a traitor. "I feel terrible about this."

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

Social media immediately exploded with this development. "The worst deceiver being the most effective player," wrote one user.

"It couldn't have been a more iconic ending," stated a different person, while a third called it "the TV moment of the year."

His chosen charity, a cancer charity, gets to keep all the prize money, with the final pot amounting to £87,500.

The comedian's evolution from comic relief to strategic player was among the most memorable aspects of the series.

But his win still shocked viewers surprised, according to entertainment reporters.

"The idea of Alan, of all people, pulling off a masterclass in deceit felt about as likely as him maintaining composure through his comedy routines."

On subsequent discussions, the other contestants summed up why no one had truly doubted him.

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

Carr said he had "absolutely loved" his time on the program.

"I want to participate once more... I don't think it would be successful again!"

The final installment was extended to over an hour on the network. It had a different start than typical episodes, as all the celebs were aware who'd make it at the morning gathering.

There was particularly inspiring, and atypical for the show soundtrack, as the episode revisited some moments from every remaining player's time in the castle.

As ever, the comedian gave us unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I started the competition a bit of an anxious mess. I've betrayed close allies to save myself, I've eliminated beloved figures in plain sight. I'm clearly a better liar and player than I thought."

At the same time, another contestant noted that being in the final was "way more stressful than playing for a national team", while another said he was "completely amazed" to have made it so far.

In the beginning of the finale, various contestants seemed to be making a bid to become the new style icon of the competition, replacing an earlier departed style leader.

Carr emerged at the morning meal resembling a vintage television personality in patterned burgundy attire, later switching into a bejewelled white suit.

But he was outstyled by a fellow player's burgundy formal wear. Impressive style.

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

The challenge saw them destroying images of eliminated players. Have sympathy for one participant who managed to get hit on the head multiple times by the lid of a substantial container.

Soon after, the moment arrived for the elimination discussion.

The deceivers did a pinky promise beforehand, vowing to support each other. "We've progressed significantly, I'm not going to throw him under a bus," stated one, while the other just giggled.

And one did stick to his promise. But, having slipped under the radar for most of the game, the other still received the majority elimination votes.

The last deceiver appeared he was in a world of pain to be the final deceiver remaining. "Being alone, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, a rudderless ship."

Social media and viewers were similarly upset.

"I hoped against this contestant to be banished. An endearing deceiver," commented a commentator.

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

But there was little opportunity to dwell on this departure. Before long, the game reached the final stage - which was the moment everyone anticipated.

The final four stood over the ceremonial fire. And the alliance collapsed, just when it was most crucial, in an absolutely shocking development.

A player was eliminated in dramatic fashion - after a shock vote from their ally, who betrayed them.

"It hurts to be betrayed last minute in that manner," said the ousted contestant. Later, it was revealed that when they message, the betrayed player refers to their former ally as a traitor.

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

One player, looking incredibly smug, voted to end the competition. The same decision was made by a different player, and it all came down to the third, who made the identical choice - resulting in the deceiver emerged victorious.

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

Fortunately, the winner quickly regained composure from his emotional outburst, and could finally appreciate the moment.

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

And he even made light of the memorable elimination - his close ally in an early episode - by reaching over the host in the concluding moments and touching her cheek.

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

The last few weeks of celebrity gossiping, scheming and the occasional unexpected moments may feel like a bizarre fantasy. Yet it actually occur. It will be remembered fondly.