After weeks of tension, plots and sabotage, The Celebrity Traitors concludes with a thrilling end

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

Over the course of the show, audiences saw eliminations, betrayals, serious side-eye, and a memorable moment that cut through all suspense.

Yet on Thursday night, the final winner of the first Celebrity Traitors emerged triumphant.

Out of 19 contestants, just a handful remained: Traitors and faithfuls facing off for the prize.

Soon, the field narrowed to only three contenders: the remaining contestants.

Ultimately, 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, I'm so sorry," he declared, admitting to the remaining faithfuls that he was actually one of the deceivers. "I'm an awful human being."

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

Online platforms immediately exploded with the news. "Most awful traitor ever being the best traitor ever," 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, a cancer charity, gets to keep all the prize money, with the final pot amounting to £87,500.

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

But his win still shocked viewers surprised, according to industry observers.

"The thought of him, of all people, pulling off an expert performance in deception felt just as probable as him maintaining a straight face through his comedy routines."

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

"He might have come down to the morning meal in traitor attire and I still wouldn't have thought he was deceiving us. I was too busy laughing," one participant said.

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

The winner stated he had "thoroughly enjoyed" his experience with the show.

"I want to do it again... I don't think it would be successful again!"

Thursday evening's installment was extended to over an hour on television. There was an unusual opening than typical episodes, as every celebrity were aware who would appear at the morning gathering.

Viewers heard particularly inspiring, and atypical for the show music, as the episode revisited some moments from every remaining player's time in the castle.

As ever, the comedian provided some of the most memorable lines.

"Let's face it, I began this game as something of an anxious mess. I've thrown some really good friends to save myself, I've eliminated beloved figures openly. I'm clearly a better liar and player than I believed."

At the same time, another contestant noted that being in the final was "significantly more pressure than playing for a national team", while another said he was "completely amazed" to have made it so far.

Early on in the episode, various contestants seemed to be attempting to become the new style icon of the competition, taking over from the previously eliminated style leader.

The winner appeared at the morning meal resembling a vintage television personality in a checked maroon suit, before changing into an embellished light-colored outfit.

However, he got outstyled by a fellow player's maroon velvet tuxedo. Impressive style.

Next up was the challenge, with the remaining contestants getting on board a locomotive called - naturally - The Deceivers' Railway.

This task involved destroying portraits of former contestants. Spare a thought for a player who was hit on the head THREE times by the cover of a heavy wooden box.

Before long, the moment arrived for the roundtable.

Two traitors did a pinky promise in advance, pledging to support each other. "We've come a long way, I won't betray him," said one, while the other just giggled.

And one did stick to his promise. But, managing to stay unnoticed for most of the game, their partner still got the most votes.

The last deceiver looked like to be experiencing a world of pain to be the last traitor standing. "Now I'm on my own, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm unpredictable, without direction."

Online platforms and viewers were similarly upset.

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

"You will forever be remembered in the show's legacy," posted another user.

However, there remained no time to dwell on this departure. Before long, they were at the endgame - this being the moment everyone anticipated.

The final four stood over the ceremonial fire. And the alliance broke down, just when it was most crucial, in a truly WTF moment.

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

"It hurts to be betrayed at the final moment like that," said the ousted contestant. Subsequently, it was revealed that when they message, the eliminated contestant calls their former ally by a betrayer's name.

Finally, only three contestants were still competing: the last participants.

One player, appearing quite pleased, voted to end the game. The same decision was made by a different player, and everything depended on the third, who made the identical choice - resulting in the traitor emerged victorious.

For observers, the scene where remaining contestants comforted the winner was "beautiful TV". "I anticipate it will be a contender for outstanding scene at next year's awards," they said.

Happily, the champion soon recovered from his bout of tears, and could finally appreciate his victory.

"What a rollercoaster. I was awful at lying, I had no poker face and here I am a winner," the winner said.

And he even joked about the memorable elimination - his best friend in an early episode - 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 famous people scheming, scheming and the occasional unexpected moments may feel like a bizarre fantasy. Yet it actually all happen. It will be remembered fondly.