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

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

Throughout the season, viewers witnessed eliminations, double-crosses, intense glares, and a memorable moment that pierced all tension.

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

From nineteen participants, just a handful were left standing: Deceivers and loyal players competing for the winnings.

Before long, the competition tightened to only three contenders: the final players.

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, I'm so sorry," he declared, admitting to the other players that he'd always been a traitor. "I'm an awful human being."

"You did brilliantly," they comforted him. "Everything's fine."

Social media quickly erupted with this development. "Most awful traitor ever being the best traitor ever," commented one user.

"It couldn't have been a better conclusion," stated a different person, while someone else described it as "the television highlight of the year."

His chosen charity, a cancer charity, gets to keep the entire winnings, with the total amount reaching 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 season.

However, his victory still left the nation in shock, according to industry observers.

"The idea of Alan, of all people, pulling off an expert performance in deception felt about as likely as him maintaining a straight face through his comedy routines."

On subsequent discussions, the other contestants summed up the reasons nobody had truly doubted him.

"He might have come down to breakfast in a green cloak and I wouldn't have believed he was a traitor. His humor distracted me," one participant said.

"The majority didn't target him because how does one vote for a person so charming?" asked another celebrity.

The winner stated he had "absolutely loved" his experience with the program.

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

Thursday evening's installment was lengthened to over an hour on television. There was an unusual opening than typical episodes, as all the celebs were aware who'd make it at the breakfast table.

There was particularly inspiring, and very un-Traitors-esque music, as we recapped key scenes from each of the finalists' time in the castle.

As ever, Alan Carr provided unforgettable quotes.

"Let's face it, I started this game a bit of an anxious mess. I've thrown some really good friends to save myself, I've eliminated national treasures openly. I'm clearly a better liar and traitor than I believed."

At the same time, a different player noted that being in the final 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 seemed 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 vintage television personality in a checked maroon suit, later switching into an embellished light-colored outfit.

But he was out-jacketted by another contestant's burgundy formal wear. Impressive style.

Following this was the challenge, with the final players getting on board a train named - naturally - The Traitors Express.

This task involved ripping up portraits of former contestants. Spare a thought for one participant who managed to get hit on the head multiple times by the cover of a substantial container.

Soon after, the moment arrived for the roundtable.

The deceivers made a pact in advance, pledging to stick together. "We've progressed significantly, I won't throw him under a bus," said one, while the other just giggled.

However, one did stick to his promise. Yet, managing to stay unnoticed for most of the game, the other still got the most votes.

The remaining traitor looked like to be experiencing significant distress to be the final deceiver remaining. "Now I'm on my own, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, without direction."

Social media and viewers were equally disappointed.

"I did NOT want this contestant to be eliminated. An endearing deceiver," said a commentator.

"Your legacy will remain in the show's legacy," wrote another user.

However, there remained little opportunity to focus on their elimination. Soon, they were at the endgame - this being the moment everyone anticipated.

The last players stood over the ceremonial fire. Meanwhile, the partnership collapsed, precisely when it was most crucial, 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 betrayed last minute in that manner," said the ousted contestant. Later, we learned that when they message, the eliminated contestant refers to their former ally by a betrayer's name.

Ultimately, just three players were still competing: the last participants.

A contestant, looking incredibly smug, chose to conclude the game. So did a different player, and it all came down to the third, who made the identical choice - which meant that the traitor was the winner.

For observers, the scene where remaining contestants consoled the winner was "compelling television". "I predict it could be in the running for outstanding scene at television honors," they said.

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

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

And he even 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 characteristic laugh.

The recent episodes of famous people scheming, scheming and the occasional unexpected moments may feel like one big crazy jumbled dream. Yet it actually all happen. And we will miss it.