Following multiple episodes of suspense, schemes and sabotage, The Celebrity Traitors has reached a nail-biting end

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

Over the course of the show, audiences saw murders, double-crosses, serious side-eye, and an unforgettable incident that pierced the overwhelming suspense.

However on Thursday night, the ultimate victor of the first celebrity edition was revealed.

From nineteen participants, only five remained: Traitors and loyal players facing off for the winnings.

Soon, 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 made him tearful.

"This has been destroying me, my apologies," he exclaimed, revealing to the remaining faithfuls that he'd always been a traitor. "I'm an awful human being."

"You played amazingly," they comforted him. "It's all right."

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

"There could not have been a better conclusion," stated a different person, 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 final pot reaching £87,500.

Alan Carr's transformation from giggle liability to strategic player was one of the standout highlights of the series.

However, his victory still shocked viewers surprised, as noted by industry observers.

"The thought of him, among everyone, executing a masterclass in deception felt about as likely as him maintaining a straight face through one of his own punchlines."

On subsequent discussions, the other contestants summed up why no one had ever really suspected him.

"Alan could have appeared to breakfast 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 target him because how can you vote for someone who is so charming?" asked a different contestant.

Carr said he had "thoroughly enjoyed" his time on the show.

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

Thursday evening's episode was extended to 70 minutes on television. It had a different start than typical episodes, as all the celebs were aware who would appear at the morning gathering.

There was particularly inspiring, and atypical for the show soundtrack, as we recapped some moments from every remaining player's experience in the game.

As ever, the comedian provided some of the most memorable lines.

"Let's face it, I began the competition a bit of a nervous wreck. I've betrayed close allies under the bus, I've murdered national treasures openly. Apparently I'm a better liar and traitor than I thought."

At the same time, another contestant noted that reaching the conclusion was "way more stressful than playing for England", while someone else said he was "completely amazed" to have made it so far.

In the beginning of the finale, several players seemed to be making a bid to become the new style icon of the competition, taking over from an earlier departed style leader.

The winner appeared at breakfast resembling a 1950s US chat show host in a checked maroon suit, before changing into an embellished light-colored outfit.

But he was out-jacketted by a fellow player's burgundy formal wear. What a look.

Following this was the challenge, with the final players getting on board a train named - naturally - The Traitors Express.

This task saw them destroying images of eliminated players. Spare a thought for a player who managed to get hit in the head THREE times by the cover of a heavy wooden box.

Before long, it was time for the roundtable.

The deceivers did a pinky promise beforehand, pledging to stick together. "We've progressed significantly, I'm not going to throw him under a bus," stated one, while the other simply laughed.

However, 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 remaining traitor 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, without direction."

Social media and onlookers were equally disappointed.

"I hoped against that player to be eliminated. A truly loveable traitor," commented an observer.

"You will forever be remembered in the show's legacy," wrote another user.

But there was little opportunity to focus on this departure. Before long, they were at the endgame - which was the moment everyone anticipated.

The final four gathered around the ceremonial fire. Meanwhile, the partnership broke down, just 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 eliminated player. Subsequently, it was revealed 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, looking incredibly smug, chose to conclude the competition. So did a different player, and everything depended on the final participant, who made the identical choice - which meant that the deceiver was the winner.

According to commentators, the moment where remaining contestants consoled the champion was "compelling television". "I anticipate it will be a contender for memorable moment at television honors," they commented.

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

"What a rollercoaster. I thought I was terrible at deception, I had no poker face 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 final scene and making contact.

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

The last few weeks of celebrity gossiping, plotting and sometimes unexpected moments may seem like one big crazy jumbled dream. Yet it actually all happen. It will be remembered fondly.