Following multiple episodes of tension, plots and backstabbing, The Celebrity Traitors has reached a thrilling end

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

Throughout the season, viewers witnessed murders, betrayals, serious side-eye, and a memorable moment that cut through all suspense.

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

Out of nineteen participants, only five remained: Traitors and faithfuls facing off for the prize.

Soon, the competition tightened to only three contenders: the remaining contestants.

Ultimately, comedian Alan Carr was crowned the winner, in a shocking result that went viral and left him emotional.

"This has been destroying me, I'm so sorry," he declared, revealing to the other players that he was actually a traitor. "I feel terrible about this."

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

Social media quickly erupted with this development. "Most awful traitor ever being the best traitor ever," commented one user.

"There could not have been a more iconic ending," wrote a different person, while someone else called it "the TV moment of the year."

His chosen charity, Neuroblastoma UK, will receive the entire winnings, with the total amount amounting to eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

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

But his win still left the nation in shock, as noted by entertainment reporters.

"The idea of Alan, of all people, pulling off a masterclass in deceit felt about as likely as him keeping composure through his comedy routines."

On subsequent discussions, fellow players summed up the reasons nobody had ever really suspected him.

"He might have appeared to the morning meal in traitor attire and I still wouldn't have thought he was a traitor. I was too busy laughing," one participant said.

"Most people didn't vote for him because how can you eliminate someone who is so loveable?" questioned a different contestant.

Carr said he had "thoroughly enjoyed" his experience with the program.

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

Thursday evening's installment was extended to 70 minutes on the network. There was an unusual opening than typical episodes, as all the celebs knew who would appear at the morning gathering.

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

True to form, the comedian provided unforgettable quotes.

"Let's face it, I began the competition as something of a nervous wreck. I've thrown some really good friends to save myself, I've murdered national treasures in plain sight. I'm clearly more deceptive and player than I thought."

Meanwhile, another contestant noted that reaching the conclusion was "way more stressful than playing for a national team", while another said he was "totally surprised" to have made it so far.

In the beginning in the episode, various contestants seemed to be making a bid to become the fashion standout of the castle, taking over from an earlier departed style leader.

Carr emerged at breakfast looking like a vintage television personality in a checked maroon suit, later switching into a bejewelled white suit.

However, he got outstyled by another contestant's burgundy formal wear. What a look.

Following this was the competition, with the final players getting on board a locomotive called - naturally - The Traitors Express.

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

Before long, it was time for the elimination discussion.

The deceivers made a pact beforehand, pledging to stick together. "We've progressed significantly, I'm not going to betray him," said a player, while the other simply laughed.

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

The remaining traitor appeared to be experiencing significant distress to be the last traitor standing. "Now I'm on my own, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm unpredictable, without direction."

Social media and onlookers were similarly upset.

"I hoped against this contestant to be eliminated. A truly loveable traitor," said a commentator.

"You will forever be remembered in Traitors history," wrote a different viewer.

But there was no time to focus on their elimination. Before long, they were at the endgame - this being the moment everyone anticipated.

The last players gathered around the ceremonial fire. Meanwhile, the partnership collapsed, just when it was most crucial, in an absolutely shocking development.

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

"This pains me to be stabbed in the back last minute in that manner," remarked the ousted contestant. Later, it was revealed that when they message, the betrayed player refers to their former ally as a traitor.

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

A contestant, looking incredibly smug, voted to end the game. So did another, and it all came down to the third, who did the same - resulting in the traitor emerged victorious.

For observers, the moment where remaining contestants consoled the winner was "beautiful TV". "I predict it could be a contender for memorable moment at next year's awards," they said.

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

"What a rollercoaster. I was awful at lying, I had no poker face and here I am a winner," he said.

He also made light of that infamous murder - his close ally in an early episode - by leaning toward the presenter in the final scene and touching her cheek.

"There's something on your face," he said, with his characteristic laugh.

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