After weeks of tension, schemes and sabotage, Celebrity Traitors concludes with a thrilling finale

Spoiler alert - This piece discloses details from Celebrity Traitors conclusion

Throughout the season, viewers witnessed murders, betrayals, serious side-eye, and a memorable moment that pierced all suspense.

Yet on the final evening, the final winner of the first Celebrity Traitors was revealed.

From nineteen participants, just a handful remained: Deceivers and loyal players competing for the prize.

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

Ultimately, comedian Alan Carr emerged as the champion, in a surprising result that went viral and made him tearful.

"It's been tearing me apart, I'm so sorry," he declared, admitting to the remaining faithfuls that he was actually a traitor. "I'm an awful human being."

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

Online platforms immediately exploded with the news. "The worst deceiver being the best traitor ever," wrote a viewer.

"There could not have been a more iconic ending," wrote a different person, while a third called it "the television highlight of the year."

His chosen charity, Neuroblastoma UK, will receive the entire winnings, with the total amount amounting to £87,500.

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

But his win still left the nation surprised, as noted by entertainment reporters.

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

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

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

"Most people didn't target him because how does one vote for a person so charming?" questioned another celebrity.

The winner stated he had "absolutely loved" his experience with the show.

"I'd like to participate once more... I don't think it would work a second time!"

Thursday evening's installment was lengthened to 70 minutes on the network. It had a different start than typical episodes, as every celebrity knew who'd make it at the breakfast table.

Viewers heard some very uplifting, and very un-Traitors-esque soundtrack, as we recapped some moments from every remaining player's experience in the game.

As ever, the comedian provided unforgettable quotes.

"Let's face it, I started the competition as something of a nervous wreck. I've thrown close allies to save myself, I've eliminated beloved figures openly. Apparently I'm more deceptive and traitor than I thought."

At the same time, another contestant noted that being in the final was "significantly more pressure than competing with England", while someone else said he was "completely amazed" to have lasted this long.

Early on of the finale, various contestants seemed to be attempting to become the new style icon of the competition, replacing the previously eliminated fashionable contestant.

Carr emerged at the morning meal resembling a vintage television personality in patterned burgundy attire, before changing 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 boarding a locomotive called - of course - The Deceivers' Railway.

This task involved ripping up images of eliminated players. Have sympathy for one participant who was hit in the head multiple times by the cover of a heavy wooden box.

Soon after, the moment arrived for the roundtable.

The deceivers made a pact in advance, pledging to stick together. "We've come a long way, I won't betray him," stated one, while their partner simply laughed.

However, one did stick to his promise. Yet, managing to stay unnoticed for most of the game, their partner still got the most votes.

The remaining traitor 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 unpredictable, a rudderless ship."

Online platforms and onlookers were equally disappointed.

"I hoped against that player to be eliminated. A truly loveable traitor," said a commentator.

"You will forever be remembered in Traitors history," wrote another user.

But there was little opportunity to focus on their elimination. Before long, the game reached the endgame - this being the moment everyone anticipated.

The final four stood over the fire pit. And the alliance broke down, precisely when it mattered the most, in an absolutely shocking development.

A player was painfully banished - following a surprising decision from their ally, who betrayed them.

"This pains me to be stabbed in the back at the final moment like that," said the eliminated player. Subsequently, we learned that if they ever communicate, the betrayed player refers to the other by a betrayer's name.

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

A contestant, appearing quite pleased, chose to conclude the competition. So did another, and it all came down to the final participant, who made the identical choice - resulting in the traitor emerged victorious.

According to commentators, the moment where remaining contestants consoled the champion was "compelling television". "I predict it will be in the running for outstanding scene at television honors," they commented.

Happily, the champion quickly regained composure from his emotional outburst, and could finally appreciate the moment.

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

And he even joked about that infamous murder - his close ally in an early episode - by leaning toward the host in the concluding moments and making contact.

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

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