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

Spoiler alert - This piece discloses key moments from The Celebrity Traitors conclusion

Over the course of the show, audiences saw murders, double-crosses, serious side-eye, and a memorable moment that pierced all tension.

Yet on the final evening, the ultimate victor of the inaugural celebrity edition emerged triumphant.

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

Before long, the field narrowed to just three: the final players.

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

"This has been destroying me, I'm so sorry," he exclaimed, revealing to the remaining faithfuls that he was actually one of the deceivers. "I'm an awful human being."

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

Social media quickly erupted with the news. "The worst deceiver being the most effective player," wrote a viewer.

"It couldn't have been a better conclusion," wrote another, while someone else called it "the TV moment of the year."

The organization he selected, Neuroblastoma UK, gets to keep the entire winnings, with the total amount amounting to eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

The comedian's evolution from comic relief to strategic player was among the most memorable aspects of the season.

However, his victory still shocked viewers surprised, according to entertainment reporters.

"The thought of him, of all people, pulling off an expert performance in deceit felt about as likely as him keeping a straight face through one of his own punchlines."

On subsequent discussions, the other contestants summed up the reasons nobody had ever really suspected him.

"Alan could have come down to breakfast in a green cloak and I wouldn't have believed he was a traitor. 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?" asked a different contestant.

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

"I'd like to do it again... I don't think it would work a second time!"

Thursday evening's installment was lengthened to 70 minutes on television. It had an unusual opening than usual, as all the celebs were aware who'd make it at the morning gathering.

Viewers heard some very uplifting, and very un-Traitors-esque soundtrack, as the episode revisited some moments from each of the finalists' time in the castle.

As ever, the comedian gave us unforgettable quotes.

"Let's face it, I began the competition as something of an anxious mess. I've thrown some really good friends to save myself, I've murdered beloved figures openly. Apparently I'm more deceptive and traitor than I thought."

Meanwhile, a different player commented that being in the final was "way more stressful than competing with a national team", while another said he was "totally surprised" to have made it so far.

Early on of the finale, various contestants seemed to be attempting to become the fashion standout of the competition, taking over from the previously eliminated style leader.

The winner appeared at the morning meal resembling 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 burgundy formal wear. What a look.

Next up was the competition, with the remaining contestants boarding a locomotive called - of course - The Deceivers' Railway.

The challenge saw them ripping up portraits of former contestants. Have sympathy for one participant who managed to get hit on the head multiple times by the cover of a heavy wooden box.

Before long, the moment arrived for the roundtable.

The deceivers did a pinky promise in advance, vowing to support each other. "We've progressed significantly, I won't betray him," stated a player, while the other simply laughed.

And one adhered to their agreement. But, having slipped unnoticed for most of the game, the other still received the majority elimination votes.

The remaining traitor looked like to be experiencing a world of pain to be the final deceiver remaining. "Now I'm on my own, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm unpredictable, a rudderless ship."

Online platforms and viewers were similarly upset.

"I did NOT want this contestant to be banished. A truly loveable traitor," commented a commentator.

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

But there was no time to focus on this departure. Before long, they were at the endgame - which was the moment everyone anticipated.

The final four gathered around the ceremonial fire. Meanwhile, the partnership broke down, just when it mattered the most, in an absolutely shocking development.

One contestant was eliminated in dramatic fashion - after a shock vote from their ally, who turned against them.

"This pains me to be betrayed last minute like that," said the ousted contestant. Subsequently, it was revealed that when they message, the betrayed player calls their former ally as a traitor.

Finally, just three players were still competing: the final trio.

One player, appearing quite pleased, voted to end the competition. The same decision was made by a different player, and everything depended on the third, who did the same - which meant that the deceiver was the winner.

According to commentators, the scene where the other players comforted the champion was "beautiful TV". "I anticipate it could be a contender for outstanding scene at television honors," they said.

Fortunately, the winner soon recovered from his emotional outburst, and could finally appreciate his victory.

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

He also joked about the memorable elimination - his best friend during the initial stages - by leaning toward the presenter in the concluding moments and making contact.

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

The last few weeks of famous people scheming, scheming and sometimes surprising incidents may seem like a bizarre fantasy. But it really did occur. And we will miss it.