After weeks of tension, schemes and sabotage, The Celebrity Traitors has reached a thrilling finale

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

Over the course of the show, viewers witnessed eliminations, betrayals, intense glares, and an unforgettable incident that pierced all tension.

Yet on Thursday night, the ultimate victor of the inaugural celebrity edition emerged triumphant.

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

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

In the end, funny man Alan Carr was crowned the champion, in a surprising result that broke the internet and left him emotional.

"It's been tearing me apart, I'm so sorry," he exclaimed, admitting to the other players that he'd always been a traitor. "I'm an awful human being."

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

Online platforms immediately exploded with this development. "The worst deceiver being the best traitor ever," wrote one user.

"There could not have been a more iconic ending," stated another, while someone else described it as "the television highlight of the year."

The organization he selected, a cancer charity, gets to keep all the prize money, with the final pot amounting to eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

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

However, his victory still shocked viewers in shock, as noted by industry observers.

"The idea of Alan, among everyone, executing an expert performance in deceit felt about as likely as him maintaining a straight face through one of his own punchlines."

During follow-up conversations, fellow players summed up 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 deceiving us. I was too busy laughing," a player said.

"The majority didn't vote for him because how does one vote for someone who is so charming?" questioned another celebrity.

Carr said he had "thoroughly enjoyed" his time on the program.

"I want to participate once more... I doubt it would be successful a second time!"

The final episode was lengthened to 70 minutes on the network. There was a different start than usual, as every celebrity were aware who'd make it at the breakfast table.

There was some very uplifting, and atypical for the show music, as the episode revisited key scenes from every remaining player's time in the castle.

True to form, Alan Carr provided unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I began the competition as something of an anxious mess. I've betrayed close allies under the bus, I've eliminated national treasures in plain sight. Apparently I'm a better liar and traitor than I thought."

Meanwhile, another contestant commented that reaching the conclusion was "way more stressful than competing with a national team", while another said he was "totally surprised" to have made it so far.

In the beginning of the finale, various contestants appeared to be making a bid to become the fashion standout of the competition, taking over from an earlier departed style leader.

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

However, he got out-jacketted by another contestant's maroon velvet tuxedo. What a look.

Following this was the challenge, with the remaining contestants getting on board a locomotive called - of course - The Traitors Express.

The challenge involved ripping up images of former contestants. Have sympathy for one participant who was hit on the head multiple times by the cover of a substantial container.

Before long, it was time for the elimination discussion.

Two traitors made a pact beforehand, pledging to stick together. "We've come a long way, I'm not going to betray him," stated one, while the other just giggled.

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

The last deceiver appeared to be experiencing significant distress to be the last traitor standing. "Being alone, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm unpredictable, a rudderless ship."

Social media and onlookers were equally disappointed.

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

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

However, there remained no time to focus on this departure. Soon, the game reached the endgame - which was what we were really all here for.

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

A player was painfully banished - after a shock vote from their partner, who betrayed them.

"This pains me to be betrayed at the final moment like that," said the eliminated player. Subsequently, it was revealed that if they ever communicate, the betrayed player refers to their former ally as a traitor.

Finally, only three contestants remained in the game: the final trio.

One player, appearing quite pleased, chose to conclude the competition. So did another, and it all came down to the third, who made the identical choice - which meant that the deceiver emerged victorious.

For observers, the moment where the other players consoled the winner was "compelling television". "I anticipate it could be a contender for outstanding scene at next year's awards," they commented.

Happily, the winner soon recovered from his emotional outburst, and was able to enjoy his victory.

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

He also made light of the memorable elimination - his close ally in an early episode - by leaning toward the host in the concluding moments 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 sometimes unexpected moments may seem like a bizarre fantasy. Yet it actually all happen. It will be remembered fondly.