Following weeks of tension, schemes and sabotage, The Celebrity Traitors concludes with a thrilling end

Warning: spoilers ahead - This article discloses key moments from The Celebrity Traitors finale

Throughout the season, audiences saw eliminations, double-crosses, intense glares, and a memorable moment that pierced all suspense.

Yet on Thursday night, the ultimate victor of the first Celebrity Traitors was revealed.

From 19 contestants, only five remained: 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 emerged as the champion, in a surprising result that went viral and made him tearful.

"This has been destroying me, my apologies," he exclaimed, revealing to the remaining faithfuls that he was actually one of the deceivers. "I feel terrible about this."

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

Social media quickly erupted with this development. "The worst deceiver being the most effective player," commented one user.

"It couldn't have been a more iconic ending," wrote a different person, while someone else described it as "the television highlight of the year."

His chosen charity, a cancer charity, will receive all the prize money, with the total amount reaching eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

The comedian's evolution from giggle liability to cold-hearted killer was one of the standout highlights of the season.

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

"The thought of him, among everyone, pulling off an expert performance in deception felt about as likely as him maintaining a straight face through his comedy routines."

During follow-up conversations, the other contestants explained why no one had ever really suspected him.

"He might have appeared to breakfast in a green cloak and I still wouldn't have thought he was deceiving us. I was too busy laughing," one participant said.

"Most people didn't target him because how does one eliminate a person so charming?" asked a different contestant.

The winner stated he had "thoroughly enjoyed" his time on the program.

"I want to participate once more... I don't think it would be successful a second time!"

The final episode was lengthened to 70 minutes on television. There was a different start than usual, as every celebrity were aware who'd make it at the breakfast table.

There was particularly inspiring, and very un-Traitors-esque music, as we recapped some moments from every remaining player's time in the castle.

As ever, the comedian gave us unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I began this game as something of an anxious mess. I've thrown close allies to save myself, I've murdered national treasures openly. Apparently I'm a better liar and traitor than I thought."

Meanwhile, a different player noted that reaching the conclusion was "way more stressful than playing for a national team", while someone else said he was "totally surprised" to have lasted this long.

Early on of the finale, 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 resembling a 1950s US chat show host in a checked maroon suit, before changing into an embellished light-colored outfit.

But he was out-jacketted by another contestant's maroon velvet tuxedo. What a look.

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

The challenge saw them ripping up images of former contestants. Spare a thought for a player who managed to get hit in the head multiple times by the cover of a heavy wooden box.

Before long, it was time for the elimination discussion.

Two traitors made a pact beforehand, pledging to support each other. "We've come a long way, I won't betray him," stated one, while their partner just giggled.

However, one did stick to their agreement. Yet, having slipped unnoticed for most of the game, the other still got the most votes.

The last deceiver appeared to be experiencing significant distress to be the last traitor standing. "Now I'm on my own, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, without direction."

Online platforms and onlookers were similarly upset.

"I hoped against this contestant to be banished. A truly loveable traitor," said an observer.

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

However, there remained no time to focus on their elimination. Soon, the game reached the final stage - which was what we were really all here for.

The last players gathered around the ceremonial fire. Meanwhile, the partnership broke down, precisely when it mattered the most, in a truly WTF moment.

A player was painfully banished - after a shock vote from their ally, who turned against them.

"It hurts to be stabbed in the back last minute like that," remarked the eliminated player. Subsequently, it was revealed that if they ever communicate, the eliminated contestant refers to their former ally as a traitor.

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

A contestant, looking incredibly smug, chose to conclude the competition. The same decision was made by a different player, and it all came down to the third, who did the same - which meant that the deceiver emerged victorious.

For observers, the moment where the other players consoled the champion was "compelling television". "I anticipate it will be in the running for outstanding scene at television honors," they said.

Fortunately, the winner quickly regained composure from his bout of tears, and could finally appreciate his victory.

"Such an emotional journey. I was awful at lying, my expressions gave me away and here I am the champion," he said.

He also joked about that infamous murder - his close ally in an early episode - by leaning toward the presenter in the concluding moments and touching her cheek.

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

The recent episodes of famous people scheming, scheming and sometimes surprising incidents may feel like one big crazy jumbled dream. But it really did all happen. It will be remembered fondly.