Following weeks of suspense, plots and backstabbing, Celebrity Traitors concludes with a thrilling end

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

Over the course of the show, audiences saw murders, betrayals, intense glares, and a memorable moment that pierced the overwhelming tension.

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

Out of nineteen participants, just a handful were left standing: Traitors and loyal players competing for the prize.

Before long, the field narrowed to just three: the remaining contestants.

In the end, funny man Alan Carr emerged as the champion, in a surprising outcome that broke the internet and left him emotional.

"It's been tearing me apart, I'm so sorry," he exclaimed, revealing to the other players that he was actually one of the deceivers. "I feel terrible about this."

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

Online platforms immediately exploded with this development. "The worst deceiver being the most effective player," wrote a viewer.

"It couldn't have been a better conclusion," wrote a different person, while a third described it as "the television highlight of the year."

The organization he selected, a cancer charity, will receive all the prize money, with the final pot amounting to £87,500.

The comedian's evolution from comic relief to cold-hearted killer was among the most memorable aspects of the season.

However, his victory still shocked viewers in shock, according to entertainment reporters.

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

On subsequent discussions, the other contestants explained the reasons nobody had truly doubted him.

"Alan could have come down to the morning meal in a green cloak and I still wouldn't have thought he was a traitor. I was too busy laughing," a player said.

"The majority didn't target him because how can you eliminate a person so loveable?" questioned a different contestant.

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

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

Thursday evening's installment was lengthened to over an hour on television. There was an unusual opening than typical episodes, as every celebrity knew who would appear at the breakfast table.

Viewers heard particularly inspiring, and very un-Traitors-esque music, as we recapped some moments from each of the finalists' experience in the game.

As ever, Alan Carr provided unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I started the competition a bit of an anxious mess. I've betrayed close allies to save myself, I've murdered beloved figures openly. I'm clearly a better liar and player than I believed."

Meanwhile, another contestant noted that being in the final 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 in the episode, various contestants appeared to be making a bid to become the new style icon of the competition, taking over from an earlier departed fashionable contestant.

The winner appeared at breakfast resembling a 1950s US chat show host in patterned burgundy attire, later switching into a bejewelled white suit.

However, he got out-jacketted by another contestant's maroon velvet tuxedo. Impressive style.

Following this was the competition, with the remaining contestants getting on board a train named - of course - The Deceivers' Railway.

This task saw them destroying portraits of former contestants. Spare a thought for one participant who was hit on the head multiple times by the cover of a heavy wooden box.

Before long, it was time for the elimination discussion.

Two traitors made a pact beforehand, pledging to support each other. "We've progressed significantly, I'm not going to betray him," said one, while the other simply laughed.

However, one did stick to their agreement. But, managing to stay under the radar for the majority of the competition, their partner still got the most votes.

The remaining traitor appeared he was in a world of pain to be the final deceiver remaining. "Now I'm on my own, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm unpredictable, a rudderless ship."

Online platforms and onlookers were equally disappointed.

"I hoped against that player to be eliminated. An endearing deceiver," commented an observer.

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

But there was no time to focus on their elimination. Before long, they were at the endgame - which was what we were really all here for.

The last players gathered around the fire pit. Meanwhile, the partnership broke down, precisely when it mattered the most, in an absolutely shocking development.

One contestant was eliminated in dramatic fashion - after a shock vote from their ally, who turned against them.

"It hurts to be betrayed last minute in that manner," said the eliminated player. Subsequently, it was revealed that if they ever communicate, the eliminated contestant refers to their former ally as a traitor.

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

One player, looking incredibly smug, voted to end the game. The same decision was made by another, and everything depended on the third, who did the same - which meant that the deceiver emerged victorious.

For observers, the scene where the other players comforted the champion was "compelling television". "I predict it could be in the running for outstanding scene at television honors," they commented.

Happily, the winner soon recovered from his emotional outburst, and could finally appreciate 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 the memorable elimination - his close ally during the initial stages - by leaning toward the host in the concluding moments and touching her cheek.

"You've got something on your face," he said, with his trademark giggle.

The last few weeks of famous people scheming, scheming and the occasional surprising incidents may seem like a bizarre fantasy. But it really did all happen. And we will miss it.