Following weeks of tension, plots and backstabbing, Celebrity Traitors has reached a thrilling end

Spoiler alert - This article reveals details from Celebrity Traitors finale

Throughout the season, audiences saw eliminations, double-crosses, serious side-eye, and an unforgettable incident that cut through the overwhelming suspense.

However on Thursday night, the ultimate victor of the first Celebrity Traitors emerged triumphant.

From 19 contestants, only five remained: Deceivers and faithfuls competing for the winnings.

Before long, the competition tightened to just three: the remaining contestants.

Ultimately, 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 exclaimed, admitting to the other players that he'd always been a traitor. "I'm an awful human being."

"You played amazingly," they consoled him. "Everything's fine."

Social media quickly erupted with the news. "The worst deceiver being the best traitor ever," wrote one user.

"There could not have been a better conclusion," wrote a different person, while someone else described it as "the TV moment of the year."

His chosen charity, a cancer charity, gets to keep the entire winnings, with the total amount reaching £87,500.

The comedian's evolution from giggle liability to strategic player was one of the standout highlights of the series.

However, his victory still left the nation surprised, as noted by entertainment reporters.

"The idea of Alan, among everyone, pulling off a masterclass in deceit felt about as likely as him maintaining a straight face through his comedy routines."

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

"He might have appeared to breakfast in a green cloak and I wouldn't have believed he was a traitor. I was too busy laughing," one participant said.

"The majority didn't vote for him because how can you eliminate a person so loveable?" asked another celebrity.

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

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

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

Viewers heard particularly inspiring, and very un-Traitors-esque soundtrack, as we recapped some moments from every remaining player's experience in the game.

As ever, Alan Carr gave us unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I began the competition as something of an anxious mess. I've thrown some really good friends under the bus, I've eliminated beloved figures openly. Apparently I'm more deceptive and player than I thought."

Meanwhile, another contestant commented that being in the final was "significantly more pressure than playing for England", while another said he was "totally surprised" to have lasted this long.

Early on of the finale, various contestants seemed to be attempting to become the new style icon of the competition, taking over from an earlier departed fashionable contestant.

The winner appeared at breakfast resembling a vintage television personality in patterned burgundy attire, later switching into a bejewelled white suit.

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

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

This task saw them ripping up images of former contestants. Spare a thought for a player who managed to get hit on the head multiple times by the cover of a heavy wooden box.

Before long, the moment arrived for the elimination discussion.

The deceivers made a pact beforehand, vowing to stick together. "We've progressed significantly, I'm not going to betray him," stated one, while the other just giggled.

And one did stick to his promise. But, managing to stay under the radar for most of the game, their partner still received the majority elimination votes.

The last deceiver appeared he was in 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."

Online platforms and viewers were similarly upset.

"I did NOT want this contestant to be banished. An endearing deceiver," commented a commentator.

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

But there was no time to focus on this departure. Soon, the game reached the endgame - this being what we were really all here for.

The final four stood over the ceremonial fire. And the alliance broke down, just when it was most crucial, in a truly WTF moment.

A player was painfully banished - following a surprising decision from their ally, who betrayed them.

"It hurts to be stabbed in the back at the final moment like that," said the eliminated player. Subsequently, we learned that if they ever communicate, the eliminated contestant calls the other as a traitor.

Finally, just three players remained in the game: the final trio.

A contestant, looking incredibly smug, chose to conclude the competition. The same decision was made by 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 champion was "compelling television". "I anticipate it could be a contender for outstanding scene at next year's awards," they commented.

Fortunately, the champion quickly regained composure from his bout of tears, and was able to enjoy the moment.

"What a rollercoaster. I thought I was terrible at deception, I had no poker face and now I stand the champion," he said.

He also joked about that infamous murder - his best friend during the initial stages - 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 famous people scheming, plotting and the occasional unexpected moments may feel like one big crazy jumbled dream. But it really did occur. It will be remembered fondly.