Following weeks of tension, plots and sabotage, Celebrity Traitors concludes with a nail-biting finale

Spoiler alert - This article discloses details from Celebrity Traitors finale

Over the course of the show, audiences saw eliminations, betrayals, serious side-eye, and an unforgettable incident that pierced the overwhelming suspense.

Yet on Thursday night, the ultimate victor of the first Celebrity Traitors emerged triumphant.

Out of nineteen participants, just a handful were left standing: Deceivers and loyal players competing for the prize.

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

Ultimately, comedian Alan Carr was crowned the winner, in a surprising outcome that broke the internet and left him emotional.

"This has been destroying me, my apologies," he exclaimed, revealing to the other players that he'd always been one of the deceivers. "I feel terrible about this."

"You did brilliantly," they consoled him. "It's all right."

Online platforms immediately exploded with the news. "Most awful traitor ever being the best traitor ever," wrote a viewer.

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

The organization he selected, Neuroblastoma UK, will receive the entire winnings, with the final pot amounting to £87,500.

Alan Carr's transformation from comic relief to strategic player was among the most memorable aspects of the season.

But his win still shocked viewers surprised, as noted by entertainment reporters.

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

During follow-up conversations, the other contestants summed up why no one had truly doubted him.

"He might have come down to breakfast in a green cloak and I still wouldn't have thought he was a traitor. I was too busy laughing," 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 time on the program.

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

The final installment was lengthened to 70 minutes on the network. It had an unusual opening than usual, as all the celebs knew who would appear at the morning gathering.

Viewers heard particularly inspiring, and atypical for the show soundtrack, as the episode revisited key scenes from every remaining player's experience in the game.

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

"To be honest, I started this game a bit of a nervous wreck. I've thrown close allies to save myself, I've murdered national treasures in plain sight. Apparently I'm more deceptive and player than I thought."

Meanwhile, another contestant commented that being in the final was "way more stressful than competing with a national team", while someone else said he was "completely amazed" to have lasted this long.

In the beginning in the episode, several players appeared to be making a bid to become the new style icon of the competition, taking over from an earlier departed style leader.

Carr emerged at the morning meal looking like a 1950s US chat show host in patterned burgundy attire, before changing into an embellished light-colored outfit.

However, he got out-jacketted by another contestant's maroon velvet tuxedo. What a look.

Following this was the challenge, with the remaining contestants boarding a train named - of course - The Deceivers' Railway.

The challenge saw them ripping up portraits of former contestants. Spare a thought for a player who managed to get hit on the head multiple times by the cover of a substantial container.

Before long, the moment arrived for the roundtable.

Two traitors made a pact in advance, vowing to support each other. "We've progressed significantly, I'm not going to betray him," said a player, while the other just giggled.

And one adhered to his promise. But, having slipped under the radar for the majority of the competition, the other still got the most votes.

The remaining traitor appeared he was in significant distress to be the final deceiver remaining. "Being alone, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, a rudderless ship."

Social media and viewers were similarly upset.

"I did NOT want that player to be banished. A truly loveable traitor," said an observer.

"Your legacy will remain in Traitors history," posted another user.

However, there remained little opportunity to focus on this departure. Before long, the game reached the final stage - this being the moment everyone anticipated.

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

One contestant was eliminated in dramatic fashion - following a surprising decision from their ally, who betrayed them.

"It hurts to be betrayed last minute like that," remarked the eliminated player. Later, we learned that when they message, the eliminated contestant calls their former ally by a betrayer's name.

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

One player, appearing quite pleased, voted to end the competition. So did a different player, and it all came down to the final participant, who made the identical choice - resulting in the deceiver emerged victorious.

According to commentators, the moment where the other players comforted the champion was "beautiful TV". "I anticipate it will be a contender for outstanding scene at next year's awards," they commented.

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

"Such an emotional journey. I was awful at lying, my expressions gave me away and here I am a winner," the winner 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 the occasional unexpected moments may seem like one big crazy jumbled dream. Yet it actually all happen. And we will miss it.