After multiple episodes of tension, schemes and backstabbing, The Celebrity Traitors has reached a thrilling end

Warning: spoilers ahead - This article discloses details from The Celebrity Traitors finale

Over the course of the show, audiences saw eliminations, betrayals, intense glares, and an unforgettable incident that cut through all tension.

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

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

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

Ultimately, comedian Alan Carr was crowned the champion, in a surprising result that broke the internet and made him tearful.

"It's been tearing me apart, I'm so sorry," he declared, admitting to the other players that he'd always been one of the deceivers. "I feel terrible about this."

"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," commented one user.

"There could not have been a more iconic ending," stated a different person, while someone else described it as "the TV moment of the year."

His chosen charity, Neuroblastoma UK, will receive the entire winnings, with the total amount amounting to eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

Alan Carr's transformation from comic relief to cold-hearted killer was among the most memorable aspects of the series.

But his win still left the nation in shock, as noted by industry observers.

"The idea of Alan, among everyone, pulling off a masterclass in deception felt just as probable as him maintaining composure through one of his own punchlines."

During follow-up conversations, the other contestants summed up why no one had ever really suspected him.

"He might have come down to breakfast in a green cloak and I still wouldn't have thought he was a traitor. I was too busy laughing," a player said.

"Most people didn't vote for him because how does one eliminate a person so charming?" questioned another celebrity.

The winner stated he had "absolutely loved" his time on the program.

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

Thursday evening's installment was extended to over an hour on television. It had a different start than usual, as every celebrity knew who would appear at the breakfast table.

There was some very uplifting, and atypical for the show soundtrack, as the episode revisited some moments from each of the finalists' time in the castle.

As ever, Alan Carr gave us unforgettable quotes.

"Let's face it, I began this game a bit of a nervous wreck. I've thrown some really good friends under the bus, I've eliminated beloved figures in plain sight. I'm clearly more deceptive and player than I thought."

At the same time, another contestant commented that being in the final was "way more stressful than competing with England", while another said he was "completely amazed" to have lasted this long.

In the beginning of the finale, several players appeared to be attempting to become the new style icon of the castle, taking over from an earlier departed style leader.

Carr emerged at the morning meal resembling a 1950s US chat show host in a checked maroon suit, later switching into a bejewelled white suit.

But he was outstyled by a fellow player's burgundy formal wear. What a look.

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

The challenge involved ripping up images of eliminated players. Have sympathy for a player who was hit in the head THREE times by the cover of a heavy wooden box.

Before long, the moment arrived for the elimination discussion.

The deceivers did a pinky promise beforehand, pledging to support each other. "We've progressed significantly, I won't betray him," stated a player, while the other simply laughed.

However, one did stick to their agreement. But, managing to stay unnoticed for the majority of the competition, the other still received the majority elimination votes.

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

Social media and onlookers were equally disappointed.

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

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

But there was little opportunity to focus on their elimination. Soon, they were at the final stage - which was what we were really all here for.

The final four gathered around the ceremonial fire. Meanwhile, the partnership broke down, precisely when it mattered the most, in an absolutely shocking development.

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

"This pains me to be stabbed in the back last minute in that manner," said the eliminated player. Later, it was revealed that when they message, the betrayed player calls their former ally as a traitor.

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

A contestant, looking incredibly smug, voted to end the game. The same decision was made by another, and it all came down to the final participant, who did the same - which meant that the deceiver emerged victorious.

According to commentators, the moment where remaining contestants comforted the champion was "compelling television". "I predict it could be a contender for memorable moment at next year's awards," they said.

Fortunately, the winner soon recovered from his emotional outburst, and was able to enjoy the moment.

"Such an emotional journey. I thought I was terrible at deception, I had no poker face and here I am a winner," he said.

He also made light of the memorable elimination - his best friend during the initial stages - by leaning toward the presenter in the final scene and touching her cheek.

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

The last few weeks of famous people scheming, scheming and the occasional unexpected moments may feel like a bizarre fantasy. Yet it actually all happen. And we will miss it.