Following weeks of tension, schemes and backstabbing, Celebrity Traitors has reached a thrilling end

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

Throughout the season, viewers witnessed eliminations, double-crosses, serious side-eye, and an unforgettable incident that pierced all tension.

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

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

Soon, the competition tightened to just three: the remaining contestants.

In the end, comedian Alan Carr was crowned the winner, in a surprising outcome that went viral and left him emotional.

"It's been tearing me apart, my apologies," he declared, revealing to the other players that he was actually a traitor. "I'm an awful human being."

"You did brilliantly," they consoled him. "It's all right."

Social media immediately exploded with this development. "Most awful traitor ever being the most effective player," commented a viewer.

"It couldn't have been a more iconic ending," stated another, while someone else described it as "the TV moment of the year."

His chosen charity, a cancer charity, gets to keep all the prize money, with the total amount amounting to £87,500.

The comedian's evolution from giggle liability to cold-hearted killer was among the most memorable aspects of the series.

But his win still shocked viewers surprised, as noted by entertainment reporters.

"The idea of Alan, among everyone, pulling off a masterclass in deceit felt just as probable as him maintaining composure through his comedy routines."

On subsequent discussions, fellow players summed up the reasons nobody had ever really suspected him.

"Alan could have appeared to the morning meal in a green cloak and I still wouldn't have thought he was deceiving us. His humor distracted me," one participant said.

"The majority didn't target him because how can you vote for a person so charming?" asked another celebrity.

Carr said he had "absolutely loved" his experience with the show.

"I want to participate once more... I don't think it would work again!"

The final installment was lengthened to 70 minutes on the network. 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 soundtrack, as the episode revisited key scenes from every remaining player's experience in the game.

As ever, the comedian gave us unforgettable quotes.

"Let's face it, I began this game a bit of an anxious mess. I've thrown close allies under the bus, I've eliminated national treasures in plain sight. I'm clearly a better liar and traitor than I thought."

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 "completely amazed" 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 fashionable contestant.

The winner appeared at breakfast looking like a 1950s US chat show host in patterned burgundy attire, before changing into a bejewelled white suit.

However, he got outstyled by another contestant's maroon velvet tuxedo. Impressive style.

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

This task saw them ripping up images of former contestants. Spare a thought for one participant who was hit in the head multiple times by the cover of a heavy wooden box.

Soon after, it was time for the elimination discussion.

Two traitors made a pact beforehand, vowing to stick together. "We've progressed significantly, I'm not going to throw him under a bus," stated a player, while the other simply laughed.

And one adhered to his promise. Yet, managing to stay unnoticed for most of the game, their partner still received the majority elimination votes.

The remaining traitor looked like he was in significant distress to be the final deceiver remaining. "Being alone, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm unpredictable, a rudderless ship."

Social media and onlookers were similarly upset.

"I did NOT want that player to be eliminated. An endearing deceiver," said an observer.

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

However, there remained no time to focus on their elimination. Before long, the game reached the endgame - which was what we were really all here for.

The last players stood over the fire pit. Meanwhile, the partnership collapsed, just when it was most crucial, in an absolutely shocking development.

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

"This pains me to be betrayed last minute in that manner," remarked 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 were still competing: the last participants.

One player, looking incredibly smug, chose to conclude the game. So did another, and it all came down to the final participant, who made the identical choice - resulting in the traitor emerged victorious.

For observers, the scene where remaining contestants comforted the winner was "compelling television". "I anticipate it will be in the running for outstanding scene at next year's awards," they said.

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

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

He also made light of that infamous murder - his close ally during the initial stages - by reaching over the presenter in the concluding moments and touching her cheek.

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

The last few weeks of celebrity gossiping, plotting and the occasional unexpected moments may seem like a bizarre fantasy. But it really did occur. It will be remembered fondly.