Following weeks of tension, plots and sabotage, The Celebrity Traitors has reached a thrilling end

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

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

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

Out of nineteen participants, just a handful remained: Traitors and faithfuls competing for the prize.

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

Ultimately, funny man Alan Carr was crowned the winner, in a surprising outcome that broke the internet and made him tearful.

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

"You played amazingly," they comforted him. "It's all right."

Online platforms quickly erupted with the news. "The worst deceiver being the most effective player," wrote one user.

"There could not have been a more iconic ending," wrote a different person, while someone else called it "the TV moment of the year."

The organization he selected, a cancer charity, gets to keep the entire winnings, with the total amount amounting to £87,500.

Alan Carr's transformation from giggle liability to cold-hearted killer was one of the standout highlights of the season.

But his win still left the nation in shock, according to entertainment reporters.

"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 summed up why no one had ever really suspected him.

"Alan could have appeared to the morning meal in a green cloak and I wouldn't have believed he was a traitor. His humor distracted me," a player said.

"Most people didn't target him because how can you vote for someone who is so loveable?" asked another celebrity.

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

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

Thursday evening's episode was lengthened to over an hour on the network. There was a different start than typical episodes, as every celebrity were aware who'd make it at the breakfast table.

Viewers heard particularly inspiring, and very un-Traitors-esque soundtrack, as the episode revisited key scenes from every remaining player's experience in the game.

As ever, the comedian provided unforgettable quotes.

"Let's face it, I started this game a bit of a nervous wreck. I've thrown some really good friends to save myself, I've eliminated beloved figures openly. Apparently I'm more deceptive and player than I believed."

At the same time, a different player noted that being in the final was "significantly more pressure than playing for England", while another said he was "completely amazed" to have lasted this long.

In the beginning in the episode, various contestants appeared to be making a bid 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.

But he was outstyled by a fellow player's maroon velvet tuxedo. What a look.

Following this was the competition, with the remaining contestants getting on board a train named - naturally - The Deceivers' Railway.

This task saw them destroying images of eliminated players. Have sympathy for a player who was hit on the head multiple times by the lid of a heavy wooden box.

Soon after, the moment arrived for the roundtable.

The deceivers made a pact in advance, vowing to stick together. "We've come a long way, I'm not going to throw him under a bus," said a player, while the other simply laughed.

However, one adhered to his promise. But, having slipped unnoticed for most of the game, the other still received the majority elimination votes.

The last deceiver appeared to be experiencing a world of pain to be the last traitor standing. "Being alone, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, a rudderless ship."

Social media and viewers were similarly upset.

"I hoped against this contestant to be eliminated. An endearing deceiver," said an observer.

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

However, there remained no time to dwell on their elimination. Before long, they were at the final stage - which was the moment everyone anticipated.

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

A player was eliminated in dramatic fashion - following a surprising decision from their partner, who betrayed them.

"This pains me to be betrayed last minute in that manner," remarked the ousted contestant. Later, it was revealed that if they ever communicate, the betrayed player refers to the other as a traitor.

Ultimately, only three contestants were still competing: the final trio.

One player, looking incredibly smug, chose to conclude the game. The same decision was made by a different player, and everything depended on the final participant, who did the same - which meant that the traitor emerged victorious.

According to commentators, the moment where the other players comforted the champion was "beautiful TV". "I anticipate it will be in the running for memorable moment at television honors," they commented.

Fortunately, the champion soon recovered from his emotional outburst, and was able to enjoy his victory.

"What a rollercoaster. I thought I was terrible at deception, I had no poker face and now I stand a winner," he said.

He also joked about the memorable elimination - his best friend during the initial stages - by reaching over the host in the concluding moments and making contact.

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

The recent episodes of famous people scheming, scheming and the occasional surprising incidents may seem like a bizarre fantasy. Yet it actually all happen. It will be remembered fondly.