Following weeks of tension, schemes and sabotage, The Celebrity Traitors concludes with a nail-biting end

Spoiler alert - This piece discloses details from Celebrity Traitors conclusion

Throughout the season, audiences saw eliminations, betrayals, intense glares, and an unforgettable incident that pierced all suspense.

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

From 19 contestants, just a handful remained: Traitors and faithfuls facing off for the winnings.

Soon, the field narrowed to only three contenders: the remaining contestants.

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

"It's been tearing me apart, my apologies," he exclaimed, admitting to the remaining faithfuls that he'd always been one of the deceivers. "I'm an awful human being."

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

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

The organization he selected, a cancer charity, gets to keep the entire winnings, with the final pot amounting to eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

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

However, his victory still shocked viewers in shock, according to industry observers.

"The idea of Alan, of all people, executing a masterclass in deceit felt about as likely as him maintaining a straight face through his comedy routines."

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

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

"Most people didn't vote for him because how can you vote for someone who is so loveable?" asked another celebrity.

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

"I want to do it again... I doubt it would be successful again!"

Thursday evening's episode was extended to 70 minutes on the network. There was an unusual opening than usual, as all the celebs were aware who would appear at the morning gathering.

There was particularly inspiring, and atypical for the show music, as the episode revisited some moments from every remaining player's experience in the game.

As ever, Alan Carr gave us unforgettable quotes.

"Let's face it, I started this game a bit of a nervous wreck. I've betrayed close allies to save myself, I've eliminated national treasures in plain sight. Apparently I'm more deceptive and player than I believed."

Meanwhile, another contestant noted that reaching the conclusion was "significantly more pressure than playing for a national team", while another said he was "completely amazed" to have lasted this long.

Early on in the episode, various contestants appeared to be attempting to become the new style icon of the castle, taking over from the previously eliminated style leader.

Carr emerged at breakfast looking like a vintage television personality in patterned burgundy attire, later switching into an embellished light-colored outfit.

However, he got outstyled by a fellow player's burgundy formal wear. Impressive style.

Next up was the challenge, with the final players boarding a locomotive called - of course - The Traitors Express.

The challenge 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 cover of a substantial container.

Before long, the moment arrived 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 a player, 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 remaining traitor appeared he was in significant distress to be the last traitor standing. "Being alone, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm unpredictable, without direction."

Online platforms and onlookers were equally disappointed.

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

"You will forever be remembered in the show's legacy," wrote another user.

But there was no time to focus on their elimination. Soon, the game reached the endgame - which was the moment everyone anticipated.

The final four gathered around the fire pit. And the alliance collapsed, just when it mattered the most, in an absolutely shocking development.

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

"This pains me to be betrayed at the final moment in that manner," said the ousted contestant. Subsequently, it was revealed that if they ever communicate, the eliminated contestant refers to the other by a betrayer's name.

Ultimately, only three contestants were still competing: the last participants.

A contestant, looking incredibly smug, chose to conclude the competition. So did a different player, and everything depended on the third, who did the same - which meant that the deceiver emerged victorious.

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

Happily, the winner quickly regained composure from his emotional outburst, and could finally appreciate his victory.

"What a rollercoaster. I was awful at lying, my expressions gave me away and here I am a winner," he said.

And he even made light of that infamous murder - his best friend during the initial stages - by leaning toward the host in the final scene and touching her cheek.

"There's something on your face," he said, with his characteristic laugh.

The last few weeks of famous people scheming, scheming and the occasional surprising incidents may seem like one big crazy jumbled dream. But it really did all happen. It will be remembered fondly.