Following weeks of tension, schemes and backstabbing, Celebrity Traitors concludes with a thrilling end

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

Over the course of the show, viewers witnessed eliminations, betrayals, intense glares, and a memorable moment that pierced the overwhelming tension.

However on Thursday night, the final winner of the first celebrity edition was revealed.

Out of 19 contestants, only five were left standing: Traitors and loyal players competing for the winnings.

Before long, the field narrowed to just three: the final players.

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

"It's been tearing me apart, I'm so sorry," he declared, admitting to the other players that he was actually a traitor. "I'm an awful human being."

"You did brilliantly," they consoled him. "It's all right."

Social media quickly erupted with this development. "The worst deceiver being the most effective player," wrote a viewer.

"It couldn't have been a better conclusion," wrote another, while a third called it "the TV moment of the year."

The organization he selected, a cancer charity, gets to keep all the prize money, with the final pot reaching £87,500.

Alan Carr's transformation from comic relief to strategic player 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 a masterclass in deception felt just as probable as him maintaining a straight face through one of his own punchlines."

During follow-up conversations, the other contestants explained why no one had truly doubted him.

"Alan could have come down to breakfast in a green cloak and I wouldn't have believed he was deceiving us. His humor distracted me," a player said.

"Most people didn't vote for him because how does one vote for someone who is so charming?" asked a different contestant.

The winner stated he had "absolutely loved" his experience with the show.

"I want to do it again... I doubt it would be successful again!"

The final episode was lengthened to over an hour on the network. There was an unusual opening than typical episodes, as all the celebs were aware who would appear at the breakfast table.

Viewers heard particularly inspiring, and atypical for the show music, as we recapped key scenes from every remaining player's experience in the game.

As ever, Alan Carr gave us unforgettable quotes.

"Let's face it, I started this game a bit of an anxious mess. I've betrayed close allies under the bus, I've murdered beloved figures openly. Apparently I'm more deceptive and player than I believed."

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

In the beginning of the finale, various contestants appeared to be making a bid to become the fashion standout of the competition, replacing an earlier departed style leader.

The winner appeared at breakfast looking like a vintage television personality in a checked maroon suit, before changing into a bejewelled white suit.

But he was outstyled by another contestant's maroon velvet tuxedo. Impressive style.

Next up was the challenge, with the remaining contestants boarding a train named - of course - The Traitors Express.

The challenge involved destroying portraits of former contestants. Spare a thought for one participant who was hit in the head THREE times by the lid of a heavy wooden box.

Before long, the moment arrived for the elimination discussion.

Two traitors did a pinky promise in advance, pledging to support each other. "We've come a long way, I won't throw him under a bus," said a player, while their partner simply laughed.

However, one adhered to their agreement. Yet, having slipped under the radar for most of the game, the other still got the most 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'm frightened," he said. "I'm unpredictable, a rudderless ship."

Online platforms and onlookers were similarly upset.

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

"Your legacy will remain in the show's legacy," wrote another user.

However, there remained little opportunity to focus on this departure. Soon, they were at the endgame - which was what we were really all here for.

The last players gathered around the ceremonial fire. Meanwhile, the partnership collapsed, just when it was most crucial, in a truly WTF moment.

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

"This pains me to be stabbed in the back last minute in that manner," remarked the ousted contestant. Subsequently, we learned that when they message, the eliminated contestant calls the other by a betrayer's name.

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

One player, appearing quite pleased, chose to conclude the competition. The same decision was made by a different player, and it all came down to the final participant, who made the identical choice - which meant that the deceiver emerged victorious.

For observers, the moment where the other players comforted the champion was "compelling television". "I predict it will be a contender for memorable moment at television honors," they said.

Happily, the champion quickly regained composure from his emotional outburst, and was able to enjoy the moment.

"Such an emotional journey. I thought I was terrible at deception, I had no poker face and here I am a winner," he said.

He also joked about that infamous murder - his best friend in an early episode - by reaching over the presenter in the concluding moments and making contact.

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

The last few weeks of famous people scheming, plotting and the occasional unexpected moments may feel like one big crazy jumbled dream. Yet it actually occur. And we will miss it.