Following weeks of suspense, schemes and sabotage, The Celebrity Traitors has reached a nail-biting finale

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

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

However on Thursday night, the final winner of the first celebrity edition emerged triumphant.

From nineteen participants, only five remained: Deceivers and faithfuls competing for the winnings.

Before long, the field narrowed to just three: the remaining contestants.

In the end, funny man Alan Carr was crowned the winner, in a shocking result that broke the internet and left him emotional.

"It's been tearing me apart, I'm so sorry," he exclaimed, admitting to the other players that he was actually one of the deceivers. "I feel terrible about this."

"You did brilliantly," they consoled him. "Everything's fine."

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

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

The organization he selected, Neuroblastoma UK, will receive the entire winnings, with the total amount reaching eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

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

But his win still shocked viewers in shock, according to industry observers.

"The idea of Alan, of all people, executing a masterclass in deceit felt about as likely as him maintaining composure through one of his own punchlines."

On subsequent discussions, fellow players summed up why no one had ever really suspected him.

"Alan could have appeared to breakfast in traitor attire and I wouldn't have believed he was deceiving us. I was too busy laughing," one participant said.

"Most people didn't target him because how can you vote for a person so charming?" questioned a different contestant.

The winner stated he had "absolutely loved" his time on the program.

"I'd like to do it again... I don't think it would work again!"

Thursday evening's episode was extended to over an hour on the network. It had a different start than typical episodes, as all the celebs knew who would appear at the breakfast table.

Viewers heard particularly inspiring, and atypical for the show music, as we recapped some moments from each of the finalists' time in the castle.

True to form, Alan Carr provided some of the most memorable lines.

"To be honest, I began 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. I'm clearly a better liar and player than I believed."

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

Early on of the finale, various contestants seemed to be attempting to become the new style icon of the competition, replacing the previously eliminated fashionable contestant.

The winner appeared at the morning meal resembling a vintage television personality in a checked maroon suit, later switching into an embellished light-colored outfit.

But he was out-jacketted by a fellow player's maroon velvet tuxedo. What a look.

Following this was the competition, with the remaining contestants boarding a locomotive called - of course - The Deceivers' Railway.

This task saw them destroying images of former contestants. Spare a thought for a player who was hit in the head THREE times by the lid of a substantial container.

Soon after, the moment arrived for the elimination discussion.

The deceivers did a pinky promise in advance, pledging to stick together. "We've come a long way, I won't betray him," stated one, while the other just giggled.

And one did stick to his promise. Yet, managing to stay unnoticed for most of the game, their partner still received the majority elimination votes.

The last deceiver looked like he was in a world of pain to be the last traitor standing. "Now I'm on my own, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm unpredictable, a rudderless ship."

Social media and viewers were equally disappointed.

"I did NOT want this contestant to be eliminated. A truly loveable traitor," commented an observer.

"Your legacy will remain in Traitors history," wrote a different viewer.

But there was no time to focus on their elimination. Soon, they were at the endgame - which was the moment everyone anticipated.

The final four stood over the ceremonial fire. And the alliance broke down, just when it was most crucial, in a truly WTF moment.

One contestant was painfully banished - following a surprising decision from their partner, who turned against them.

"It hurts to be stabbed in the back at the final moment in that manner," said the ousted contestant. Later, we learned that when they message, the eliminated contestant refers to the other as a traitor.

Ultimately, just three players remained in the game: the final trio.

A contestant, appearing quite pleased, chose to conclude the competition. So did a different player, and it all came down to the final participant, who made the identical choice - resulting in the traitor emerged victorious.

According to commentators, the moment where remaining contestants consoled the winner was "beautiful TV". "I anticipate it will be in the running for memorable moment at television honors," they said.

Happily, the champion soon recovered from his emotional outburst, and could finally appreciate his victory.

"Such an emotional journey. I thought I was terrible at deception, my expressions gave me away and now I stand a winner," the winner said.

He also made light of the memorable elimination - his close ally during the initial stages - by reaching over the presenter in the concluding moments and making contact.

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

The last few weeks of famous people scheming, plotting and the occasional unexpected moments may feel like one big crazy jumbled dream. But it really did occur. It will be remembered fondly.