After weeks of suspense, schemes and sabotage, The Celebrity Traitors has reached a thrilling end

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

Over the course of the show, viewers witnessed eliminations, double-crosses, intense glares, and an unforgettable incident that pierced all suspense.

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

Out of nineteen participants, only five were left standing: Traitors and faithfuls competing for the winnings.

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

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

"This has been destroying me, I'm so sorry," he declared, 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."

Online platforms immediately exploded with this development. "The worst deceiver being the best traitor ever," wrote one user.

"There could not have been a better conclusion," stated another, while a third described it as "the TV moment of the year."

The organization he selected, Neuroblastoma UK, will receive all the prize money, with the total amount amounting to £87,500.

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

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

"The idea of Alan, among everyone, pulling off a masterclass in deception felt about as likely as him keeping a straight face through one of his own punchlines."

On subsequent discussions, fellow players 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. His humor distracted me," one participant said.

"The majority didn't target him because how can you vote for someone who is so loveable?" questioned a different contestant.

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

"I'd like to do it again... I doubt it would be successful again!"

The final installment was extended to over an hour on television. It had an unusual opening than typical episodes, as every celebrity were aware who would appear at the breakfast table.

Viewers heard some very uplifting, and very un-Traitors-esque music, as we recapped some moments from each of the finalists' 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 national treasures in plain sight. Apparently I'm a better liar and traitor than I thought."

Meanwhile, a different player noted that being in the final was "significantly more pressure than playing for a national team", while someone else said he was "totally surprised" to have lasted this long.

Early on of the finale, several players appeared to be attempting to become the new style icon of the castle, taking over from an earlier departed style leader.

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

But he was outstyled by another contestant's maroon velvet tuxedo. What a look.

Next up was the competition, with the remaining contestants boarding a locomotive called - naturally - The Traitors Express.

This task saw them ripping up portraits of eliminated players. Spare a thought for one participant who managed to get hit in the head THREE times by the cover of a heavy wooden box.

Soon after, the moment arrived for the roundtable.

The deceivers made a pact beforehand, pledging to support each other. "We've progressed significantly, I'm not going to betray him," said one, while the other just giggled.

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

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

Online platforms and viewers were equally disappointed.

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

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

But there was no time to dwell on their elimination. Soon, the game reached the endgame - this being the moment everyone anticipated.

The last players gathered around the ceremonial fire. And the alliance broke down, precisely when it was most crucial, in a truly WTF moment.

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

"This pains me to be betrayed last minute in that manner," said the ousted contestant. Later, we learned that if they ever communicate, the betrayed player calls the other by a betrayer's name.

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

A contestant, looking incredibly smug, voted to end the game. So did a different player, and everything depended on the third, who did the same - resulting in the traitor emerged victorious.

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

Fortunately, the winner soon recovered from his emotional outburst, and was able to enjoy his victory.

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

And he even joked about the memorable elimination - his close ally in an early episode - by leaning toward the host in the final scene and touching her cheek.

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

The recent episodes of celebrity gossiping, plotting and the occasional surprising incidents may feel like a bizarre fantasy. But it really did all happen. And we will miss it.