After weeks 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, viewers witnessed eliminations, betrayals, intense glares, and a memorable moment that cut through all tension.

However on Thursday night, the final winner of the inaugural celebrity edition was revealed.

From 19 contestants, just a handful were left standing: Deceivers and faithfuls facing off for the prize.

Soon, the competition tightened to just three: the final players.

Ultimately, funny man Alan Carr emerged as the champion, in a shocking result that broke the internet and left him emotional.

"This has been destroying me, my apologies," he declared, admitting to the remaining faithfuls that he was actually one of the deceivers. "I'm an awful human being."

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

Online platforms immediately exploded with the news. "Most awful traitor ever being the best traitor ever," wrote a viewer.

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

The organization he selected, Neuroblastoma UK, gets to keep the entire winnings, with the total amount amounting to eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

Alan Carr's transformation from giggle liability to strategic player was among the most memorable aspects of the season.

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

"The idea of Alan, of all people, executing a masterclass in deceit felt just as probable as him keeping a straight face through one of his own punchlines."

During follow-up conversations, fellow players explained why no one had ever really suspected him.

"He might have appeared to the morning meal in a green cloak and I wouldn't have believed he was a traitor. I was too busy laughing," a player said.

"The majority didn't target him because how can you eliminate someone who is so loveable?" asked a different contestant.

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

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

Thursday evening's episode was extended to 70 minutes on the network. It had an unusual opening than usual, as every celebrity knew who would appear at the morning gathering.

There was particularly inspiring, and very un-Traitors-esque soundtrack, as we recapped key scenes from each of the finalists' time in the castle.

As ever, the comedian provided unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I started the competition as something of a nervous wreck. I've betrayed some really good friends to save myself, I've murdered national treasures openly. Apparently I'm a better liar and player than I thought."

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

In the beginning in the episode, several players appeared to be making a bid to become the new style icon of the castle, taking over from the previously eliminated style leader.

Carr emerged at breakfast looking like a 1950s US chat show host in patterned burgundy attire, later switching into a bejewelled white suit.

But he was outstyled by a fellow player's maroon velvet tuxedo. Impressive style.

Following this was the challenge, with the final players getting on board a locomotive called - naturally - The Traitors Express.

The challenge involved destroying images of eliminated players. Spare a thought for a player who was hit in 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, vowing to stick together. "We've come a long way, I won't betray him," said a player, while the other just giggled.

And one did stick to their agreement. Yet, managing to stay unnoticed for the majority of the competition, the other still got the most votes.

The last deceiver appeared he was in significant distress to be the final deceiver remaining. "Being alone, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm unpredictable, without direction."

Online platforms and onlookers were similarly upset.

"I hoped against that player to be eliminated. A truly loveable traitor," commented an observer.

"You will forever be remembered in Traitors history," wrote a different viewer.

However, there remained little opportunity to dwell on this departure. Before long, the game reached the endgame - this being what we were really all here for.

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

A player was eliminated in dramatic fashion - after a shock vote from their partner, who betrayed them.

"This pains me to be betrayed at the final moment in that manner," said the eliminated player. Subsequently, it was revealed that when they message, the eliminated contestant refers to the other as a traitor.

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

A contestant, appearing quite pleased, voted to end the competition. The same decision was made by another, and everything depended on 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 champion was "compelling television". "I predict it will be in the running for outstanding scene at television honors," they commented.

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

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

And he even joked about the memorable elimination - his best friend in an early episode - by reaching over the presenter in the final scene and touching her cheek.

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

The last few weeks of famous people scheming, plotting and sometimes surprising incidents may feel like one big crazy jumbled dream. But it really did all happen. It will be remembered fondly.