Following multiple episodes of suspense, schemes and sabotage, Celebrity Traitors has reached a thrilling finale

Spoiler alert - This article discloses details from Celebrity Traitors finale

Over the course of the show, viewers witnessed murders, betrayals, serious side-eye, and a memorable moment that cut through the overwhelming suspense.

Yet on Thursday night, the ultimate victor of the first celebrity edition was revealed.

From 19 contestants, just a handful were left standing: Traitors and loyal players competing for the winnings.

Soon, the competition tightened to only three contenders: the final players.

Ultimately, funny man Alan Carr emerged as the champion, in a surprising outcome that went viral and made him tearful.

"It's been tearing me apart, my apologies," he exclaimed, revealing to the remaining faithfuls that he'd always been a traitor. "I feel terrible about this."

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

Social media quickly erupted with the news. "Most awful traitor ever being the best traitor ever," commented a viewer.

"There could not have been a more iconic ending," wrote a different person, while someone else called it "the television highlight of the year."

The organization he selected, a cancer charity, gets to keep all the prize money, with the total amount reaching £87,500.

The comedian's evolution from comic relief to strategic player was among the most memorable aspects of the season.

But his win still left the nation surprised, according to industry observers.

"The idea of Alan, of all people, pulling off an expert performance in deceit felt just as probable as him keeping composure through one of his own punchlines."

On subsequent discussions, fellow players explained the reasons nobody had truly doubted him.

"He might have appeared to breakfast in a green cloak and I still wouldn't have thought he was a traitor. His humor distracted me," a player said.

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

The winner stated he had "absolutely loved" his experience with the show.

"I'd like to participate once more... I doubt 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 breakfast table.

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

As ever, the comedian provided unforgettable quotes.

"Let's face it, I began the competition as something of a nervous wreck. I've thrown close allies to save myself, I've eliminated national treasures in plain sight. Apparently I'm a better liar and traitor than I believed."

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

In the beginning of the finale, several players appeared to be attempting to become the new style icon of the castle, replacing an earlier departed fashionable contestant.

Carr emerged at the morning meal looking like a 1950s US chat show host in patterned burgundy attire, before changing into an embellished light-colored outfit.

However, he got out-jacketted by a fellow player's burgundy formal wear. Impressive style.

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

This task saw them ripping up portraits of former contestants. Have sympathy for a player who was hit on the head THREE times by the lid of a substantial container.

Before long, the moment arrived for the roundtable.

Two traitors did a pinky promise beforehand, vowing to support each other. "We've progressed significantly, I won't betray him," said a player, while the other just giggled.

However, one adhered to his promise. Yet, managing to stay unnoticed for most of the game, their partner still got the most votes.

The remaining traitor looked like 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."

Online platforms and viewers were equally disappointed.

"I hoped against this contestant to be banished. A truly loveable traitor," commented an observer.

"Your legacy will remain in Traitors history," wrote a different viewer.

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 fire pit. And the alliance collapsed, precisely when it was most crucial, in an absolutely shocking development.

One contestant was eliminated in dramatic fashion - following a surprising decision from their partner, who betrayed them.

"It hurts to be stabbed in the back last minute like that," remarked the ousted contestant. Later, it was revealed that when they message, the eliminated contestant calls the other by a betrayer's name.

Ultimately, just three players were still competing: the final trio.

One player, appearing quite pleased, chose to conclude the game. The same decision was made by another, and it all came down to the third, who made the identical choice - resulting in the deceiver emerged victorious.

For observers, the scene where remaining contestants consoled the champion was "compelling television". "I predict it will be a contender for outstanding scene at next year's awards," they commented.

Happily, the champion soon recovered from his bout of tears, and was able to enjoy the moment.

"What a rollercoaster. I was awful at lying, my expressions gave me away and here I am the champion," he said.

And he even made light of that infamous murder - his close ally during the initial stages - by reaching over the host in the final scene and making contact.

"There's something on your face," he said, with his trademark giggle.

The last few weeks of celebrity gossiping, plotting and sometimes surprising incidents may feel like a bizarre fantasy. But it really did occur. And we will miss it.