Following weeks of tension, schemes and backstabbing, Celebrity Traitors has reached a nail-biting end

Spoiler alert - This piece discloses details from Celebrity Traitors finale

Over the course of the show, audiences saw eliminations, betrayals, intense glares, and a memorable moment that pierced all suspense.

Yet on Thursday night, the ultimate victor of the first Celebrity Traitors was revealed.

Out of 19 contestants, only five remained: Traitors and loyal players facing off for the prize.

Before long, the competition tightened to just three: the final players.

Ultimately, comedian Alan Carr emerged as the winner, in a surprising result that broke the internet and left him emotional.

"It's been tearing me apart, I'm so sorry," he exclaimed, revealing to the remaining faithfuls that he was actually a traitor. "I'm an awful human being."

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

Online platforms immediately exploded with the news. "Most awful traitor ever being the best traitor ever," wrote a viewer.

"There could not have been a more iconic ending," stated another, while a third called it "the TV moment of the year."

The organization he selected, Neuroblastoma UK, will receive the entire winnings, with the total amount reaching £87,500.

The comedian's evolution from comic relief to cold-hearted killer was one of the standout highlights of the series.

However, his victory still shocked viewers in shock, according to industry observers.

"The idea of Alan, among everyone, executing an expert performance in deception felt about as likely as him keeping a straight face through one of his own punchlines."

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

"Alan could have come down to breakfast in traitor attire and I still wouldn't have thought he was deceiving us. His humor distracted me," one participant said.

"The majority didn't target him because how does one vote for someone who is so loveable?" asked a different contestant.

Carr said he had "absolutely loved" his experience with the show.

"I want to participate once more... I doubt it would work a second time!"

Thursday evening's episode was extended to over an hour on the network. There was an unusual opening than usual, as every celebrity were aware who'd make it at the breakfast table.

Viewers heard some very uplifting, and atypical for the show soundtrack, as the episode revisited key scenes from every remaining player's experience in the game.

As ever, Alan Carr gave us unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I began this game a bit of an anxious mess. I've thrown some really good friends under the bus, I've eliminated beloved figures openly. I'm clearly more deceptive and traitor than I believed."

At the same time, another contestant noted that being in the final was "way more stressful than playing for England", while another said he was "totally surprised" to have lasted this long.

Early on in the episode, various contestants seemed to be attempting to become the fashion standout of the competition, taking over from an earlier departed fashionable contestant.

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

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

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

This task involved ripping up portraits of former contestants. Spare a thought for one participant who was hit in the head multiple times by the lid of a heavy wooden box.

Before long, it was time for the elimination discussion.

Two traitors made a pact in advance, vowing to stick together. "We've progressed significantly, I'm not going to betray him," stated one, while the other simply laughed.

However, one did stick to his promise. But, having slipped unnoticed for the majority of the competition, their partner still got the most votes.

The last deceiver appeared he was in a world of pain to be the last traitor standing. "Being alone, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, without direction."

Social media and viewers 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," posted a different viewer.

However, there remained no time to focus on their elimination. Soon, the game reached the final stage - which was the moment everyone anticipated.

The final four gathered around the fire pit. Meanwhile, the partnership broke down, precisely when it mattered the most, in a truly WTF moment.

A player was painfully banished - after a shock vote from their partner, who betrayed them.

"It hurts to be betrayed at the final moment like that," said the eliminated player. Subsequently, it was revealed that if they ever communicate, the eliminated contestant refers to the other by a betrayer's name.

Finally, just three players were still competing: the final trio.

One player, appearing quite pleased, voted to end the game. So did another, and it all came down to the third, who made the identical choice - which meant that the deceiver emerged victorious.

For observers, the scene where the other players consoled the winner was "compelling television". "I predict it will be a contender for outstanding scene at next year's awards," they said.

Fortunately, the champion quickly regained composure from his bout of tears, and was able to enjoy his victory.

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

He also joked about 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 characteristic laugh.

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