Following weeks of tension, schemes and sabotage, The Celebrity Traitors has reached a thrilling finale

Spoiler alert - This piece reveals details from Celebrity Traitors conclusion

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

However on Thursday night, the ultimate victor of the inaugural Celebrity Traitors emerged triumphant.

Out of 19 contestants, only five were left standing: Deceivers and faithfuls facing off for the winnings.

Soon, the competition tightened to just three: the final players.

Ultimately, funny man Alan Carr emerged as the winner, in a shocking result that went viral and left him emotional.

"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'm an awful human being."

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

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

"It couldn't have been a better conclusion," stated another, while a third described it as "the TV moment of the year."

His chosen charity, Neuroblastoma UK, gets to keep all the prize money, with the total amount amounting to £87,500.

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

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

"The idea of Alan, of all people, pulling off a masterclass in deception felt just as probable as him maintaining composure through his comedy routines."

During follow-up conversations, fellow players explained why no one had truly doubted him.

"Alan could have appeared 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 target him because how does one vote for someone who is so charming?" questioned another celebrity.

Carr said he had "thoroughly enjoyed" his experience with the program.

"I want to do it again... I doubt it would work a second time!"

The final episode was lengthened to over an hour on the network. It had an unusual opening than usual, as every celebrity knew who'd make it at the breakfast table.

There was some very uplifting, and atypical for the show music, as we recapped some moments from each of the finalists' experience in the game.

True to form, the comedian provided some of the most memorable lines.

"To be honest, I began the competition as something of an anxious mess. I've betrayed close allies under the bus, I've murdered national treasures openly. I'm clearly more deceptive and traitor than I thought."

At the same time, another contestant commented that reaching the conclusion was "way more stressful than competing with a national team", while another said he was "totally surprised" to have made it so far.

In the beginning in the episode, several players seemed to be attempting to become the fashion standout of the castle, taking over from the previously eliminated style leader.

The winner appeared at breakfast resembling a vintage television personality in patterned burgundy attire, later switching into an embellished light-colored outfit.

But he was outstyled by a fellow player's burgundy formal wear. Impressive style.

Following this was the competition, with the final players getting on board a locomotive called - naturally - The Traitors Express.

This task saw them destroying portraits of former contestants. Spare a thought for a player who managed to get hit on the head THREE times by the lid of a heavy wooden box.

Soon after, it was time for the elimination discussion.

Two traitors made a pact in advance, vowing to support each other. "We've progressed significantly, I won't throw him under a bus," said one, while their partner simply laughed.

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

The last deceiver appeared to be experiencing significant distress to be the final deceiver remaining. "Being alone, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm unpredictable, a rudderless ship."

Online platforms and onlookers were similarly upset.

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

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

However, there remained no time to focus on their elimination. Soon, the game reached the final stage - which was the moment everyone anticipated.

The final four stood over the ceremonial fire. Meanwhile, the partnership broke down, precisely when it mattered the most, in an absolutely shocking development.

A player was painfully banished - following a surprising decision from their partner, who turned against them.

"This pains me to be betrayed last minute in that manner," remarked the ousted contestant. Later, we learned that if they ever communicate, the betrayed player refers to the other by a betrayer's name.

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

A contestant, looking incredibly smug, voted to end the game. The same decision was made by another, and it all came down to the third, who did the same - which meant that the deceiver emerged victorious.

According to commentators, the scene where remaining contestants consoled the winner was "compelling television". "I anticipate it could be in the running for outstanding scene at next year's awards," they said.

Fortunately, the champion quickly regained composure from his emotional outburst, and could finally appreciate his victory.

"Such an emotional journey. I thought I was terrible at deception, my expressions gave me away and here I am a winner," the winner said.

He also made light of the memorable elimination - his best friend in an early episode - by leaning toward the presenter in the concluding moments and touching her cheek.

"You've got something on your face," he said, with his trademark giggle.

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