After multiple episodes of tension, schemes and sabotage, The Celebrity Traitors concludes with a thrilling finale

Warning: spoilers ahead - This piece reveals details from The Celebrity Traitors finale

Over the course of the show, audiences saw eliminations, betrayals, serious side-eye, and an unforgettable incident 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: Traitors and loyal players competing for the prize.

Soon, the competition tightened to only three contenders: the final players.

In the end, funny man Alan Carr emerged as the champion, in a shocking result that broke the internet 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'm an awful human being."

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

Social media immediately exploded with this development. "Most awful traitor ever being the most effective player," commented a viewer.

"It couldn't 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 all the prize money, with the final pot amounting to £87,500.

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

But his win still left the nation in shock, according to industry observers.

"The idea of Alan, among everyone, pulling off a masterclass in deception felt just as probable as him maintaining a straight face through one of his own punchlines."

On subsequent discussions, the other contestants explained why no one had ever really suspected him.

"Alan could have appeared to breakfast in a green cloak and I wouldn't have believed he was a traitor. His humor distracted me," one participant said.

"The majority didn't target him because how can you eliminate someone who is so charming?" questioned a different contestant.

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

"I want to participate once more... I don't think it would work again!"

The final episode was extended to 70 minutes on the network. There was an unusual opening than usual, as all the celebs knew who'd make it at the morning gathering.

There was some very uplifting, and atypical for the show soundtrack, as we recapped key scenes from each of the finalists' experience in the game.

As ever, the comedian gave us unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I started the competition as something of a nervous wreck. I've betrayed some really good friends to save myself, I've eliminated beloved figures in plain sight. I'm clearly more deceptive and traitor than I thought."

At the same time, a different player commented that reaching the conclusion was "significantly more pressure than competing with a national team", while someone else said he was "totally surprised" to have made it so far.

In the beginning of the finale, several players appeared to be making a bid to become the fashion standout of the competition, taking over from an earlier departed style leader.

The winner appeared at breakfast resembling a 1950s US chat show host in a checked maroon suit, later switching into an embellished light-colored outfit.

However, he got outstyled by a fellow player's burgundy formal wear. What a look.

Following this was the competition, with the final players getting on board a locomotive called - naturally - The Traitors Express.

The challenge saw them ripping up images of eliminated players. Have sympathy for a player who was hit in the head multiple times by the lid of a substantial container.

Before long, it was time for the elimination discussion.

Two traitors did a pinky promise beforehand, vowing to support each other. "We've come a long way, I'm not going to betray him," said one, while their partner simply laughed.

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

The last deceiver appeared to be experiencing a world of pain to be the last traitor standing. "Being alone, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm unpredictable, without direction."

Social media and onlookers were similarly upset.

"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 little opportunity to focus on this departure. Soon, the game reached the final stage - this being the moment everyone anticipated.

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

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

"It hurts to be betrayed at the final moment like that," said the eliminated player. Subsequently, it was revealed that when they message, the eliminated contestant calls the other by a betrayer's name.

Finally, just three players remained in the game: the last participants.

A contestant, appearing quite pleased, voted to end the game. The same decision was made by a different player, and everything depended on the final participant, who made the identical choice - which meant that the deceiver emerged victorious.

For observers, the scene where the other players consoled the winner was "compelling television". "I anticipate it could be in the running for memorable moment at television honors," they commented.

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

"What a rollercoaster. I was awful at lying, I had no poker face and here I am the champion," he said.

He also joked about that infamous murder - his best friend during the initial stages - by reaching over the host in the concluding moments and making contact.

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

The last few weeks of celebrity gossiping, scheming and sometimes unexpected moments may feel like one big crazy jumbled dream. Yet it actually all happen. It will be remembered fondly.