Following multiple episodes of tension, schemes and sabotage, Celebrity Traitors has reached a thrilling finale

Warning: spoilers ahead - This piece discloses details from Celebrity Traitors conclusion

Over the course of the show, audiences saw murders, betrayals, intense glares, and a memorable moment that cut through all tension.

Yet on Thursday night, the ultimate victor of the first celebrity edition emerged triumphant.

Out of nineteen participants, just a handful were left standing: Deceivers and loyal players facing off for the prize.

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

Ultimately, funny man Alan Carr was crowned the champion, in a surprising result that broke the internet and made him tearful.

"It's been tearing me apart, my apologies," he exclaimed, admitting 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 the news. "The worst deceiver being the most effective player," commented one user.

"It couldn't have been a more iconic ending," wrote another, while a third described it as "the TV moment of the year."

The organization he selected, a cancer charity, gets to keep the entire winnings, with the total amount amounting to £87,500.

Alan Carr's transformation from comic relief to cold-hearted killer was one of the standout highlights of the season.

However, his victory still left the nation in shock, according to industry observers.

"The thought of him, among everyone, executing a masterclass in deceit felt about as likely as him maintaining composure through one of his own punchlines."

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

"He might have come down to the morning meal in a green cloak and I still wouldn't have thought he was a traitor. His humor distracted me," one participant said.

"Most people didn't vote for him because how does one vote for someone who is so loveable?" asked a different contestant.

Carr said he had "absolutely loved" his experience with the program.

"I'd like to do it again... I doubt it would work a second time!"

Thursday evening's installment was lengthened to over an hour on television. It had a different start than typical episodes, as all the celebs knew who would appear at the breakfast table.

Viewers heard particularly inspiring, and atypical for the show music, as we recapped key scenes from each of the finalists' time in the castle.

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

"Let's face it, I began the competition a bit of an anxious mess. I've betrayed close allies to save myself, I've murdered beloved figures openly. I'm clearly a better liar and traitor than I believed."

Meanwhile, another contestant noted that reaching the conclusion was "significantly more pressure than playing for England", while another said he was "totally surprised" to have lasted this long.

Early on in the episode, several players appeared to be attempting to become the new style icon of the competition, replacing the previously eliminated 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 maroon velvet tuxedo. Impressive style.

Next up was the competition, with the final players getting on board a locomotive called - of course - The Traitors Express.

The challenge involved destroying images of eliminated players. Spare a thought for one participant who was hit on the head multiple times by the cover of a substantial container.

Soon after, it was time for the elimination discussion.

The deceivers made a pact beforehand, pledging to support each other. "We've progressed significantly, I'm not going to betray him," said one, while their partner just giggled.

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

The remaining traitor appeared to be experiencing a world of pain to be the last traitor standing. "Now I'm on my own, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, a rudderless ship."

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 Traitors history," posted another user.

However, there remained no time to focus on their elimination. Before long, they were at the final stage - which was what we were really all here for.

The last players stood over the fire pit. And the alliance collapsed, just when it mattered the most, in a truly WTF moment.

A player was painfully banished - following a surprising decision from their partner, who turned against them.

"It hurts to be stabbed in the back last minute in that manner," said the eliminated player. Subsequently, we learned that when they message, the betrayed player calls their former ally as a traitor.

Finally, just three players were still competing: the final trio.

A contestant, looking incredibly smug, chose to conclude the competition. So did a different player, and everything depended on the third, who made the identical choice - which meant that the traitor was the winner.

For observers, the moment where remaining contestants consoled the winner was "compelling television". "I predict it will be a contender for memorable moment at next year's awards," they commented.

Fortunately, the winner quickly regained composure from his bout of tears, and was able to enjoy the moment.

"What a rollercoaster. I thought I was terrible at deception, I had no poker face and now I stand a winner," the winner said.

He also joked about the memorable elimination - his best friend in an early episode - by leaning toward the presenter in the concluding moments and making contact.

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

The recent episodes of famous people scheming, scheming and the occasional surprising incidents may seem like a bizarre fantasy. Yet it actually occur. It will be remembered fondly.