Following weeks of tension, schemes and sabotage, Celebrity Traitors concludes with a thrilling finale

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

Over the course of the show, audiences saw murders, betrayals, intense glares, and an unforgettable incident that cut through the overwhelming suspense.

Yet on the final evening, the ultimate victor of the first celebrity edition was revealed.

Out of 19 contestants, just a handful remained: Deceivers and loyal players facing off for the prize.

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

Ultimately, comedian Alan Carr emerged as the winner, in a surprising outcome that went viral and made him tearful.

"It's been tearing me apart, I'm so sorry," he declared, revealing to the other players that he'd always been a traitor. "I feel terrible about this."

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

Online platforms quickly erupted with the news. "Most awful traitor ever being the best traitor ever," commented one user.

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

His chosen charity, Neuroblastoma UK, will receive the entire winnings, with the final pot reaching £87,500.

The comedian's evolution from comic relief to cold-hearted killer was one of the standout highlights of the season.

But his win still shocked viewers surprised, as noted by industry observers.

"The idea of Alan, of all people, executing an expert performance in deceit felt just as probable as him maintaining composure through his comedy routines."

On subsequent discussions, the other contestants explained why no one had truly doubted him.

"He might have come down to breakfast in traitor attire and I wouldn't have believed he was a traitor. I was too busy laughing," one participant said.

"The majority didn't target him because how does one eliminate a person so loveable?" questioned a different contestant.

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

"I'd like to do it again... I doubt it would work a second time!"

Thursday evening's installment was lengthened to over an hour on television. There was an unusual opening than usual, as every celebrity were aware who'd make it at the morning gathering.

Viewers heard particularly inspiring, and atypical for the show soundtrack, as we recapped some moments from each of the finalists' experience in the game.

As ever, the comedian gave us unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I began the competition as something of an anxious mess. I've betrayed close allies to save myself, I've eliminated national treasures openly. Apparently I'm a better liar and traitor than I thought."

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

Early on of the finale, various contestants appeared to be attempting to become the fashion standout of the competition, 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, before changing into a bejewelled white suit.

But he was outstyled by another contestant's burgundy formal wear. What a look.

Following this was the competition, with the final players boarding a locomotive called - of course - The Traitors Express.

This task saw them ripping up images of eliminated players. Have sympathy for a player who managed to get hit in the head THREE times by the lid of a heavy wooden box.

Soon after, the moment arrived for the roundtable.

Two traitors did a pinky promise in advance, vowing to support each other. "We've come a long way, I'm not going to betray him," said one, while their partner simply laughed.

However, one did stick 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 he was in a world of pain to be the last traitor standing. "Being alone, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm unpredictable, without direction."

Online platforms and onlookers were equally disappointed.

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

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

But there was little opportunity to focus on this departure. Soon, they were at the endgame - which was the moment everyone anticipated.

The last players gathered around the ceremonial fire. And the alliance collapsed, precisely when it was most crucial, in an absolutely shocking development.

One contestant was eliminated in dramatic fashion - following a surprising decision from their partner, who turned against them.

"It hurts to be betrayed last minute like that," remarked the eliminated player. Later, we learned that when they message, the eliminated contestant refers to the other as a traitor.

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

One player, appearing quite pleased, voted to end the game. So did another, and everything depended on the third, who did the same - resulting in the deceiver was the winner.

According to commentators, the moment where remaining contestants consoled the winner was "compelling television". "I anticipate it will be a contender for memorable moment at television honors," they commented.

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

"Such an emotional journey. I thought I was terrible at deception, my expressions gave me away and now I stand the champion," the winner said.

He also joked about that infamous murder - his best friend during the initial stages - by reaching over the host in the final scene and making contact.

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

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