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

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

Over the course of the show, audiences saw murders, double-crosses, intense glares, and an unforgettable incident that cut through the overwhelming tension.

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

Out of 19 contestants, just a handful were left standing: Traitors and loyal players facing off for the prize.

Soon, the field narrowed to just three: the final players.

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

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

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

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

"It couldn't have been a more iconic ending," wrote a different person, while someone else described it as "the television highlight of the year."

The organization he selected, Neuroblastoma UK, gets to keep the entire winnings, with the final pot reaching £87,500.

Alan Carr's transformation from giggle liability to cold-hearted killer was one of the standout highlights of the season.

But his win still shocked viewers in shock, as noted by industry observers.

"The thought of him, among everyone, pulling off a masterclass in deceit felt just as probable as him keeping a straight face through his comedy routines."

During follow-up conversations, fellow players summed up the reasons nobody had truly doubted him.

"Alan could have appeared to the morning meal in traitor attire and I wouldn't have believed he was deceiving us. I was too busy laughing," one participant said.

"The majority didn't vote for him because how can you vote for someone who is so loveable?" questioned a different contestant.

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

"I'd like to participate once more... I don't think it would work a second time!"

The final episode was lengthened to 70 minutes on the network. It had a different start than usual, as every celebrity knew who would appear at the breakfast table.

Viewers heard some very uplifting, and atypical for the show music, as the episode revisited some moments from each of the finalists' experience in the game.

As ever, Alan Carr gave us some of the most memorable lines.

"To be honest, I started this game as something of a nervous wreck. I've betrayed some really good friends to save myself, I've murdered beloved figures openly. Apparently I'm a better liar and traitor than I believed."

Meanwhile, a different player commented that reaching the conclusion was "way more stressful than competing with England", while someone else said he was "totally surprised" to have lasted this long.

In the beginning in the episode, various contestants appeared to be attempting to become the new style icon of the competition, replacing an earlier departed style leader.

Carr emerged at breakfast resembling a 1950s US chat show host in patterned burgundy attire, later switching into an embellished light-colored outfit.

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

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

This task involved destroying portraits of former contestants. Spare a thought for one participant who managed to get hit on the head THREE times by the lid of a substantial container.

Soon after, the moment arrived for the elimination discussion.

The deceivers did a pinky promise beforehand, vowing to support each other. "We've come a long way, I'm not going to betray him," said one, while their partner simply laughed.

However, one adhered to his promise. But, managing to stay unnoticed for most of the game, the other still received the majority elimination votes.

The last deceiver appeared to be experiencing significant distress to be the last traitor standing. "Now I'm on my own, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm unpredictable, without direction."

Social media and onlookers were similarly upset.

"I did NOT want this contestant to be eliminated. A truly loveable traitor," said a commentator.

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

However, there remained little opportunity to focus on this departure. Soon, they were at the final stage - this being what we were really all here for.

The final four gathered around the ceremonial fire. And the alliance broke down, just when it was most crucial, in an absolutely shocking development.

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

"This pains me to be betrayed at the final moment in that manner," remarked the ousted contestant. Subsequently, it was revealed that if they ever communicate, the eliminated contestant calls the other as a traitor.

Finally, only three contestants remained in the game: the last participants.

A contestant, appearing quite pleased, chose to conclude the competition. So did a different player, and it all came down to the third, who did the same - resulting in the deceiver was the winner.

According to commentators, the scene where remaining contestants comforted the winner was "compelling television". "I predict it will be a contender for memorable moment at television honors," they commented.

Happily, the champion quickly regained composure from his emotional outburst, and was able to enjoy his victory.

"What a rollercoaster. I was awful at lying, I had no poker face and now I stand the champion," the winner said.

And he even joked about the memorable elimination - his best friend in an early episode - by leaning toward the presenter in the concluding moments and making contact.

"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 occur. It will be remembered fondly.