Following multiple episodes of tension, plots and sabotage, The Celebrity Traitors concludes with a thrilling end

Spoiler alert - This article reveals details from Celebrity Traitors finale

Throughout the season, audiences saw eliminations, betrayals, intense glares, and a memorable moment that pierced all tension.

However on Thursday night, the ultimate victor of the first celebrity edition was revealed.

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

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

In the end, comedian Alan Carr emerged as the winner, in a surprising outcome that broke the internet and left him emotional.

"It's been tearing me apart, I'm so sorry," he exclaimed, revealing to the other players that he was actually a traitor. "I feel terrible about this."

"You played amazingly," they comforted him. "Everything's fine."

Online platforms immediately exploded with this development. "The worst deceiver being the most effective player," wrote a viewer.

"There could not have been a better conclusion," wrote another, while someone else called it "the TV moment of the year."

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

The comedian's evolution from comic relief to strategic player was one of the standout highlights of the series.

However, his victory still shocked viewers surprised, according to entertainment reporters.

"The idea of Alan, among everyone, pulling off a masterclass in deception felt just as probable as him keeping composure through his comedy routines."

On subsequent discussions, fellow players 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," a player said.

"Most people didn't vote for him because how can you vote for a person so loveable?" asked a different contestant.

The winner stated he had "thoroughly enjoyed" his experience with the program.

"I want to do it again... I don't think it would be successful a second time!"

Thursday evening's episode was lengthened to over an hour on the network. There was an unusual opening than typical episodes, as every celebrity were aware who would appear at the morning gathering.

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

True to form, Alan Carr provided unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I started the competition a bit of a nervous wreck. I've thrown some really good friends under the bus, I've murdered beloved figures in plain sight. 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 competing with a national team", while another said he was "completely amazed" to have made it so far.

In the beginning in the episode, various contestants seemed to be attempting to become the fashion standout of the castle, taking over from an earlier departed style leader.

Carr emerged at breakfast resembling a 1950s US chat show host in a checked maroon suit, later switching into a bejewelled white suit.

But he was 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 Deceivers' Railway.

The challenge involved ripping up portraits of former contestants. Spare a thought for one participant who managed to get hit in the head THREE times by the cover of a heavy wooden box.

Before long, the moment arrived for the roundtable.

Two traitors did a pinky promise in advance, pledging to stick together. "We've come a long way, I'm not going to throw him under a bus," stated one, while the other simply laughed.

And one did stick to his promise. But, having slipped under the radar for most of the game, the other still got the most votes.

The last deceiver looked like he was in 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 this contestant to be eliminated. A truly loveable traitor," commented a commentator.

"Your legacy will remain in the show's legacy," wrote a different viewer.

However, there remained no time to dwell on their elimination. Soon, they were at the endgame - which was the moment everyone anticipated.

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

One contestant was painfully banished - following a surprising decision from their ally, who turned against them.

"This pains me to be stabbed in the back last minute like that," said the eliminated player. Subsequently, we learned that if they ever communicate, the eliminated contestant refers to the other as a traitor.

Ultimately, just three players were still competing: the last participants.

A contestant, looking incredibly smug, voted to end the game. So did another, and it all came down to the final participant, who did the same - resulting in the traitor was the winner.

According to commentators, the moment where the other players comforted the champion was "beautiful TV". "I anticipate it could be in the running for memorable moment at next year's awards," they said.

Fortunately, the winner soon recovered from his bout of tears, and was able to enjoy his victory.

"Such an emotional journey. I was awful at lying, my expressions gave me away and now I stand the champion," the winner said.

He also joked about that infamous murder - his close ally during the initial stages - by leaning toward the host in the final scene and making contact.

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

The recent episodes of celebrity gossiping, plotting and sometimes unexpected moments may feel like one big crazy jumbled dream. But it really did all happen. It will be remembered fondly.