Following weeks of tension, plots and sabotage, The Celebrity Traitors has reached a thrilling finale

Warning: spoilers ahead - This article reveals details from Celebrity Traitors conclusion

Over the course of the show, viewers witnessed murders, double-crosses, intense glares, and an unforgettable incident that pierced the overwhelming suspense.

Yet on Thursday night, the ultimate victor of the inaugural celebrity edition was revealed.

Out of 19 contestants, just a handful were left standing: Traitors and faithfuls facing off for the prize.

Before long, the competition tightened to just three: the remaining contestants.

Ultimately, funny man Alan Carr emerged as the winner, in a shocking outcome that broke the internet and left him emotional.

"It's been tearing me apart, my apologies," he declared, revealing to the other players that he was actually a traitor. "I'm an awful human being."

"You did brilliantly," they comforted him. "It's all right."

Social media quickly erupted with the news. "Most awful traitor ever being the best traitor ever," wrote one user.

"It couldn't have been a more iconic ending," wrote another, while a third called it "the television highlight of the year."

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

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

But his win still left the nation surprised, as noted by entertainment reporters.

"The thought of him, of all people, pulling off an expert performance in deceit felt about as likely as him maintaining a straight face through one of his own punchlines."

On subsequent discussions, fellow players explained the reasons nobody had ever really suspected him.

"He might have come down to the morning meal in traitor attire and I wouldn't have believed he was a traitor. I was too busy laughing," a player said.

"The majority didn't target him because how does one eliminate someone who is so loveable?" asked a different contestant.

The winner stated he had "absolutely loved" his time on the program.

"I want to do it again... I doubt it would work a second time!"

Thursday evening's installment was extended to 70 minutes on the network. It had a different start than usual, as every celebrity knew who would appear at the breakfast table.

There was particularly inspiring, and very un-Traitors-esque music, as we recapped key scenes from every remaining player's experience in the game.

As ever, the comedian provided unforgettable quotes.

"Let's face it, I started this game as something of an anxious mess. I've thrown close allies to save myself, I've eliminated national treasures openly. Apparently I'm a better liar and traitor than I believed."

At the same time, a different player commented that being in the final was "significantly more pressure than competing with England", while another said he was "totally surprised" to have lasted this long.

In the beginning of the finale, various contestants appeared to be making a bid to become the new style icon of the castle, replacing the previously eliminated fashionable contestant.

Carr emerged at the morning meal resembling a vintage television personality in patterned burgundy attire, before changing into an embellished light-colored outfit.

However, he got outstyled by another contestant's maroon velvet tuxedo. Impressive style.

Next up was the challenge, with the final players getting on board a train named - of course - The Traitors Express.

This task involved destroying images of former contestants. Spare a thought for a player who was hit on the head THREE times by the lid of a heavy wooden box.

Soon after, the moment arrived for the elimination discussion.

The deceivers did a pinky promise in advance, vowing to stick together. "We've progressed significantly, I won't betray him," stated a player, while their partner simply laughed.

However, one adhered to his promise. But, managing to stay under the radar for most of the game, their partner still got the most votes.

The last deceiver appeared he was in significant distress to be the final deceiver remaining. "Being alone, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm unpredictable, without direction."

Online platforms and onlookers were equally disappointed.

"I hoped against this contestant to be eliminated. An endearing deceiver," said 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, the game reached the final stage - which was what we were really all here for.

The final four stood over the fire pit. Meanwhile, the partnership collapsed, precisely when it was most crucial, in an absolutely shocking development.

A player was painfully banished - following a surprising decision from their ally, who betrayed them.

"It hurts to be stabbed in the back last minute in that manner," remarked the ousted contestant. Later, it was revealed that when they message, the betrayed player refers to their former ally by a betrayer's name.

Ultimately, only three contestants remained in the game: the final trio.

One player, looking incredibly smug, voted to end the competition. So did another, and everything depended on the final participant, who did the same - resulting in the deceiver was the winner.

For observers, the moment where remaining contestants comforted the champion was "beautiful TV". "I predict it will be a contender for outstanding scene at television honors," they commented.

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

"Such an emotional journey. I was awful at lying, I had no poker face and now I stand the champion," he said.

He also made light of that infamous murder - his close ally during the initial stages - by leaning toward the presenter in the concluding moments and touching her cheek.

"You've got something on your face," he said, with his trademark giggle.

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