After multiple episodes of tension, plots and backstabbing, Celebrity Traitors has reached a thrilling finale

Spoiler alert - This article reveals details from The Celebrity Traitors finale

Over the course of the show, audiences saw eliminations, betrayals, serious side-eye, and a memorable moment that pierced the overwhelming suspense.

However on Thursday night, the ultimate victor of the inaugural celebrity edition emerged triumphant.

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

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

In the end, funny man Alan Carr was crowned the champion, in a shocking result that went viral and made him tearful.

"It's been tearing me apart, I'm so sorry," he declared, revealing to the remaining faithfuls that he'd always been one of the deceivers. "I'm an awful human being."

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

Online platforms immediately exploded with the news. "The worst deceiver being the most effective player," wrote one user.

"It couldn't have been a more iconic ending," wrote a different person, while a third called it "the TV moment of the year."

His chosen charity, Neuroblastoma UK, gets to keep the entire winnings, with the final pot amounting to £87,500.

Alan Carr's transformation from giggle liability to cold-hearted killer was among the most memorable aspects of the series.

However, his victory still shocked viewers surprised, as noted by entertainment reporters.

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

On subsequent discussions, fellow players summed up why no one had truly doubted him.

"Alan could have come down to the morning meal in a green cloak and I wouldn't have believed he was a traitor. His humor distracted me," a player said.

"The majority didn't target him because how can you eliminate someone who is so loveable?" questioned another celebrity.

The winner stated he had "thoroughly enjoyed" his time on the program.

"I'd like to participate once more... I doubt it would be successful a second time!"

Thursday evening's episode was lengthened to over an hour on the network. There was a different start than usual, as every celebrity knew who'd make it at the breakfast table.

Viewers heard some very uplifting, and very un-Traitors-esque music, as the episode revisited key scenes from each of the finalists' time in the castle.

True to form, Alan Carr provided unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I started the competition as something of a nervous wreck. I've thrown close allies under the bus, I've murdered national treasures in plain sight. I'm clearly a better liar and player than I believed."

At the same time, a different player noted that reaching the conclusion was "significantly more pressure than playing for England", while another said he was "totally surprised" to have lasted this long.

In the beginning of the finale, several players appeared to be making a bid to become the fashion standout of the competition, replacing the previously eliminated style leader.

Carr emerged at breakfast looking like a vintage television personality in a checked maroon suit, before changing into an embellished light-colored outfit.

However, he got out-jacketted by another contestant's maroon velvet tuxedo. What a look.

Next up was the challenge, with the final players getting on board a train named - of course - The Deceivers' Railway.

The challenge involved ripping up images of former contestants. Have sympathy for one participant who managed to get hit in the head THREE times by the cover of a substantial container.

Soon after, the moment arrived for the roundtable.

The deceivers made a pact beforehand, vowing to support each other. "We've come a long way, I won't throw him under a bus," stated one, while the other just giggled.

And one adhered to his promise. But, managing to stay under the radar for the majority of the competition, the other still received the majority elimination votes.

The remaining traitor appeared he was in significant distress to be the last traitor standing. "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 did NOT want this contestant to be banished. A truly loveable traitor," said a commentator.

"Your legacy will remain in the show's legacy," wrote a different viewer.

However, there remained no time to focus on their elimination. Before long, the game reached the endgame - which was the moment everyone anticipated.

The last players gathered around the fire pit. 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 ally, who betrayed them.

"It hurts to be stabbed in the back last minute in that manner," said the ousted contestant. Later, it was revealed that when they message, the betrayed player calls their former ally by a betrayer's name.

Finally, just three players were still competing: the last participants.

A contestant, appearing quite pleased, chose to conclude the game. So did a different player, and it all came down to the final participant, who did the same - which meant that the traitor emerged victorious.

For observers, the moment where remaining contestants comforted the winner was "beautiful TV". "I predict it will be in the running for memorable moment at next year's awards," they commented.

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

"What a rollercoaster. I thought I was terrible at deception, my expressions gave me away and now I stand the champion," he said.

And he even made light of that infamous murder - his close ally in an early episode - by reaching over the host in the concluding moments and making contact.

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

The last few weeks of famous people scheming, plotting and the occasional surprising incidents may seem like one big crazy jumbled dream. Yet it actually all happen. It will be remembered fondly.