Following weeks of suspense, schemes and sabotage, Celebrity Traitors has reached a thrilling end

Spoiler alert - This article discloses details from The Celebrity Traitors finale

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

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

Out of nineteen participants, only five remained: Deceivers and faithfuls competing for the prize.

Soon, the competition tightened to only three contenders: the remaining contestants.

In the end, comedian Alan Carr was crowned the winner, in a shocking outcome that broke the internet and left him emotional.

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

"You played amazingly," they comforted him. "Everything's fine."

Online platforms quickly erupted with this development. "The worst deceiver being the most effective player," commented a viewer.

"There could not have been a better conclusion," stated a different person, while a third described it as "the television highlight of the year."

The organization he selected, Neuroblastoma UK, gets to keep all the prize money, with the total amount reaching eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

Alan Carr's transformation from comic relief to strategic player was among the most memorable aspects of the series.

But his win still left the nation surprised, as noted by entertainment reporters.

"The thought of him, of all people, pulling off a masterclass in deceit felt about as likely as him maintaining composure through his comedy routines."

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

"He might have appeared to breakfast in traitor attire and I wouldn't have believed he was deceiving us. His humor distracted me," one participant said.

"Most people didn't vote for him because how can you vote for a person so loveable?" questioned another celebrity.

Carr said he had "thoroughly enjoyed" his experience with the program.

"I want to participate once more... I doubt it would be successful again!"

The final installment was lengthened to 70 minutes on the network. It had an unusual opening than usual, as every celebrity knew who'd make it at the breakfast table.

Viewers heard particularly inspiring, and very un-Traitors-esque soundtrack, as we recapped some moments from each of the finalists' time in the castle.

True to form, Alan Carr provided some of the most memorable lines.

"To be honest, I began this game a bit of an anxious mess. 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, a different player commented that being in the final was "way more stressful than competing with England", while someone else said he was "completely amazed" to have lasted this long.

In the beginning of the finale, several players seemed to be making a bid to become the new style icon of the castle, taking over from an earlier departed style leader.

Carr emerged at the morning meal looking like a vintage television personality in a checked maroon suit, before changing into an embellished light-colored outfit.

But he was out-jacketted by a fellow player's maroon velvet tuxedo. Impressive style.

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

This task involved ripping up portraits of former contestants. Have sympathy for one participant who was hit on the head THREE times by the cover of a heavy wooden box.

Before long, it was time for the roundtable.

Two traitors did a pinky promise beforehand, vowing to support each other. "We've come a long way, I'm not going to throw him under a bus," stated one, while the other just giggled.

And one adhered to their agreement. But, having slipped under the radar for most of the game, the other still received the majority elimination votes.

The remaining traitor looked like to be experiencing a world of pain to be the final deceiver remaining. "Now I'm on my own, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm unpredictable, a rudderless ship."

Social media and viewers were equally disappointed.

"I did NOT want that player to be banished. A truly loveable traitor," said a commentator.

"You will forever be remembered in Traitors history," posted another user.

But there was no time to dwell on their elimination. Soon, the game reached the final stage - this being what we were really all here for.

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

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

"It hurts to be betrayed last minute like that," said the eliminated player. Later, we learned that when they message, the eliminated contestant calls the other by a betrayer's name.

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

A contestant, appearing quite pleased, voted to end the game. The same decision was made by another, and it all came down to the third, who made the identical choice - which meant that the traitor emerged victorious.

According to commentators, the moment where remaining contestants consoled the champion was "beautiful TV". "I anticipate it will be a contender for memorable moment at next year's awards," they commented.

Fortunately, the champion soon recovered from his emotional outburst, and could finally appreciate the moment.

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

And he even joked about that infamous murder - his close ally during the initial stages - by leaning toward the presenter in the concluding moments and making contact.

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

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