After weeks of tension, plots and backstabbing, The Celebrity Traitors concludes with a thrilling finale

Spoiler alert - This article discloses key moments from The Celebrity Traitors finale

Throughout the season, viewers witnessed eliminations, betrayals, intense glares, and an unforgettable incident that cut through the overwhelming tension.

However on the final evening, the ultimate victor of the inaugural celebrity edition emerged triumphant.

Out of 19 contestants, just a handful remained: Deceivers and faithfuls competing for the winnings.

Soon, the field narrowed to just three: the final players.

In the end, funny man Alan Carr emerged as the winner, in a surprising result that broke the internet and made him tearful.

"This has been destroying me, I'm so sorry," he declared, revealing to the remaining faithfuls that he was actually a traitor. "I'm an awful human being."

"You played amazingly," they consoled him. "It's all right."

Social media quickly erupted with the news. "The worst deceiver being the most effective player," wrote a viewer.

"There could not have been a better conclusion," stated another, while a third described it as "the television highlight of the year."

His chosen charity, a cancer charity, gets to keep the entire winnings, with the total amount reaching £87,500.

The comedian's evolution from giggle liability to cold-hearted killer was among the most memorable aspects of the season.

But his win still shocked viewers in shock, according to entertainment reporters.

"The idea of Alan, among everyone, pulling off a masterclass in deceit felt about as likely as him keeping a straight face through one of his own punchlines."

During follow-up conversations, the other contestants explained the reasons nobody had truly doubted him.

"Alan could have appeared to breakfast in a green cloak and I wouldn't have believed he was deceiving us. I was too busy laughing," one participant said.

"The majority didn't target him because how can you vote for a person so loveable?" questioned a different contestant.

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

"I'd like to participate once more... I don't think it would be successful again!"

Thursday evening's installment was extended to 70 minutes on television. There was a different start than typical episodes, as every celebrity were aware who'd make it at the morning gathering.

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

As ever, Alan Carr provided some of the most memorable lines.

"Let's face it, I started this game a bit of a nervous wreck. I've betrayed some really good friends under the bus, I've eliminated beloved figures in plain sight. Apparently I'm more deceptive and player than I thought."

Meanwhile, another contestant noted that being in the final was "significantly more pressure than playing for England", while someone else said he was "completely amazed" to have made it so far.

In the beginning of the finale, various contestants seemed to be making a bid to become the new style icon of the castle, replacing an earlier departed style leader.

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

But he was out-jacketted by a fellow player's maroon velvet tuxedo. Impressive style.

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

The challenge involved destroying portraits of former contestants. Have sympathy for one participant who was hit in the head THREE times by the lid of a heavy wooden box.

Soon after, the moment arrived for the roundtable.

Two traitors made a pact beforehand, vowing to support each other. "We've come a long way, I won't throw him under a bus," stated one, while their partner simply laughed.

However, one adhered to his promise. Yet, managing to stay under the radar for the majority of the competition, the other still received the majority elimination votes.

The remaining traitor appeared 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 viewers were similarly upset.

"I did NOT want that player to be banished. An endearing deceiver," commented a commentator.

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

However, there remained little opportunity to focus on their elimination. Before long, they were at the endgame - which was what we were really all here for.

The last players gathered around the ceremonial fire. And the alliance broke down, just when it mattered the most, in an absolutely shocking development.

A player was eliminated in dramatic fashion - following a surprising decision from their partner, who turned against them.

"This pains me to be betrayed last minute like that," remarked the eliminated player. Later, we learned that if they ever communicate, the betrayed player refers to their former ally as a traitor.

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 third, who did the same - which meant that the traitor was the winner.

According to commentators, the scene where remaining contestants consoled the champion was "beautiful TV". "I predict it could be in the running for memorable moment at television honors," they said.

Happily, the champion quickly regained composure from his emotional outburst, and was able to enjoy his victory.

"Such an emotional journey. I thought I was terrible at deception, I had no poker face and now I stand a winner," the winner said.

He also made light of the memorable elimination - his close ally during the initial stages - by leaning toward the presenter in the final scene and making contact.

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

The last few weeks of celebrity gossiping, plotting and the occasional surprising incidents may seem like a bizarre fantasy. Yet it actually all happen. And we will miss it.