Following weeks of tension, plots and sabotage, Celebrity Traitors concludes with a nail-biting finale

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

Throughout the season, viewers witnessed eliminations, double-crosses, serious side-eye, and an unforgettable incident that pierced the overwhelming tension.

However on Thursday night, the final winner of the first Celebrity Traitors was revealed.

From nineteen participants, only five were left standing: Traitors and faithfuls competing for the prize.

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

In the end, funny man Alan Carr emerged as the champion, in a shocking outcome that broke the internet and made him tearful.

"This has been destroying me, I'm so sorry," he declared, admitting to the remaining faithfuls that he was actually a traitor. "I'm an awful human being."

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

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

"There could not have been a better conclusion," wrote another, while a third called it "the television highlight of the year."

The organization he selected, a cancer charity, will receive the entire winnings, with the total amount reaching £87,500.

Alan Carr's transformation from giggle liability to strategic player was among the most memorable aspects of the season.

But his win still shocked viewers in shock, as noted by industry observers.

"The thought of him, among everyone, executing a masterclass in deception felt just as probable as him keeping a straight face through one of his own punchlines."

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

"He might have come down 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 vote for him because how does one vote for a person so loveable?" asked another celebrity.

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

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

The final episode was extended to over an hour on the network. There was an unusual opening than usual, as every celebrity knew who'd make it at the morning gathering.

Viewers heard particularly inspiring, and very un-Traitors-esque music, as the episode revisited key scenes from every remaining player's experience in the game.

As ever, Alan Carr provided unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I began this game a bit of an anxious mess. I've betrayed close allies under the bus, I've murdered national treasures openly. I'm clearly a better liar and traitor than I thought."

At the same time, a different player commented that being in the final was "way more stressful than competing with a national team", while another said he was "totally surprised" to have lasted this long.

Early on in the episode, various contestants seemed to be making a bid to become the fashion standout of the competition, replacing the previously eliminated fashionable contestant.

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

But he was outstyled by another contestant's burgundy formal wear. Impressive style.

Next up was the competition, with the final players boarding a locomotive called - naturally - The Deceivers' Railway.

This task involved ripping up portraits of former contestants. Spare a thought for a player who was hit on the head THREE times by the lid of a substantial container.

Soon after, it was time for the roundtable.

Two traitors made a pact beforehand, vowing to stick together. "We've come a long way, I'm not going to throw him under a bus," stated one, while the other just giggled.

However, one adhered 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 looked like to be experiencing significant distress to be the final deceiver remaining. "Now I'm on my own, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, a rudderless ship."

Social media and viewers were similarly upset.

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

"Your legacy will remain in Traitors history," wrote another user.

But there was no time to dwell on this departure. Before long, the game reached the final stage - this being what we were really all here for.

The final four gathered around the ceremonial fire. Meanwhile, the partnership collapsed, precisely when it was most crucial, in an absolutely shocking development.

One contestant was eliminated in dramatic fashion - following a surprising decision from their partner, who betrayed them.

"It hurts to be betrayed last minute in that manner," remarked the ousted contestant. Later, we learned that if they ever communicate, the eliminated contestant calls their former ally as a traitor.

Ultimately, just three players remained in the game: the last participants.

A contestant, looking incredibly smug, chose to conclude the competition. The same decision was made by another, and it all came down to the third, who did the same - which meant that the deceiver emerged victorious.

According to commentators, the scene where remaining contestants consoled the winner was "compelling television". "I predict it could be in the running for memorable moment at television honors," they commented.

Fortunately, the champion soon recovered from his bout of tears, and was able to enjoy his victory.

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

He also made light of that infamous murder - his best friend in an early episode - by reaching over the presenter in the final scene and touching her cheek.

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

The last few weeks of famous people scheming, plotting and sometimes unexpected moments may seem like one big crazy jumbled dream. Yet it actually occur. It will be remembered fondly.