Following multiple episodes of tension, schemes and sabotage, Celebrity Traitors has reached a nail-biting finale

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

Throughout the season, audiences saw murders, double-crosses, intense glares, and an unforgettable incident that cut through the overwhelming tension.

Yet on Thursday night, the final winner of the first Celebrity Traitors was revealed.

From 19 contestants, only five remained: Traitors 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 shocking outcome that broke the internet and left him emotional.

"It's been tearing me apart, I'm so sorry," he declared, admitting to the other players that he was actually a traitor. "I feel terrible about this."

"You did brilliantly," they comforted him. "Everything's fine."

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 another, while a third called it "the television highlight of the year."

The organization he selected, a cancer charity, gets to keep the entire winnings, with the total amount reaching eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

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

However, his victory still left the nation in shock, as noted by industry observers.

"The idea of Alan, among everyone, pulling off an expert performance in deceit felt just as probable as him keeping a straight face through his comedy routines."

On subsequent discussions, fellow players explained why no one had ever really suspected him.

"Alan could have come down to breakfast in a green cloak and I wouldn't have believed he was a traitor. I was too busy laughing," a player said.

"Most people didn't target him because how can you eliminate someone who is so charming?" asked another celebrity.

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

"I'd like to do it again... I doubt it would be successful again!"

The final installment was lengthened to 70 minutes on television. There was a different start than typical episodes, as all the celebs were aware who'd make it at the breakfast table.

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

As ever, Alan Carr provided unforgettable quotes.

"Let's face it, I started this game a bit of a nervous wreck. I've betrayed some really good friends to save myself, I've eliminated national treasures in plain sight. Apparently I'm more deceptive and player than I thought."

At the same time, another contestant noted that being in the final was "way more stressful than competing with a national team", while someone else said he was "completely amazed" to have made it so far.

Early on in the episode, various contestants seemed to be attempting to become the new style icon of the castle, replacing an earlier departed style leader.

Carr emerged at the morning meal resembling a vintage television personality in patterned burgundy attire, later switching into an embellished light-colored outfit.

However, he got outstyled by another contestant's burgundy formal wear. Impressive style.

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

This task involved destroying images of former contestants. Have sympathy for a player who managed to get hit in the head multiple times by the cover of a heavy wooden box.

Before long, it was time for the elimination discussion.

The deceivers did a pinky promise in advance, pledging to stick together. "We've come a long way, I'm not going to throw him under a bus," stated a player, while their partner simply laughed.

However, one adhered to his promise. But, having slipped unnoticed for the majority of the competition, their partner still received the majority elimination votes.

The last deceiver looked like 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 a loose cannon, a rudderless ship."

Online platforms and onlookers were similarly upset.

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

"Your legacy will remain in Traitors history," posted another user.

But there was little opportunity to focus on this departure. Before long, they were at the endgame - which was what we were really all here for.

The final four gathered around the ceremonial fire. Meanwhile, the partnership collapsed, precisely when it was most crucial, in a truly WTF moment.

One contestant was painfully banished - following a surprising decision from their partner, who turned against them.

"It hurts to be stabbed in the back at the final moment like that," said the eliminated player. Later, we learned that when they message, the eliminated contestant refers to the other by a betrayer's name.

Finally, only three contestants were still competing: the final trio.

One player, appearing quite pleased, voted to end the competition. The same decision was made by a different player, and it all came down to the final participant, who made the identical choice - which meant that the deceiver emerged victorious.

According to commentators, the scene where remaining contestants comforted the winner was "beautiful TV". "I anticipate it will be a contender for outstanding scene at television honors," they commented.

Fortunately, the champion quickly regained composure from his emotional outburst, and could finally appreciate the moment.

"Such an emotional journey. I thought I was terrible at deception, my expressions gave me away and here I am a winner," the winner said.

And he even joked about the memorable elimination - his close ally in an early episode - by reaching over the presenter in the concluding moments 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 sometimes unexpected moments may feel like one big crazy jumbled dream. Yet it actually all happen. And we will miss it.