After weeks of tension, schemes and backstabbing, Celebrity Traitors concludes with a nail-biting end

Spoiler alert - This piece reveals details from The Celebrity Traitors finale

Throughout the season, audiences saw eliminations, double-crosses, intense glares, and a memorable moment that pierced the overwhelming tension.

However on Thursday night, the final winner of the inaugural celebrity edition was revealed.

Out of 19 contestants, only five remained: Traitors and faithfuls competing for the winnings.

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

Ultimately, comedian Alan Carr emerged as the champion, in a surprising result 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 one of the deceivers. "I feel terrible about this."

"You did brilliantly," they consoled him. "Everything's fine."

Social media quickly erupted with this development. "Most awful traitor ever being the most effective player," wrote a viewer.

"It couldn't have been a better conclusion," wrote another, while someone else called it "the TV moment of the year."

The organization he selected, a cancer charity, will receive the entire winnings, with the final pot amounting to £87,500.

Alan Carr's transformation from comic relief to strategic player was among the most memorable aspects of the series.

However, his victory still left the nation surprised, as noted by industry observers.

"The idea of Alan, among everyone, pulling off a masterclass in deceit felt just as probable as him maintaining a straight face through his comedy routines."

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

"Alan could have come down to the morning meal in traitor attire and I wouldn't have believed he was deceiving us. His humor distracted me," one participant said.

"The majority didn't target him because how does one eliminate a person so charming?" asked a different contestant.

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

"I'd like to do it again... I doubt it would be successful again!"

Thursday evening's episode was extended to 70 minutes on the network. It had a different start than usual, as all the celebs were aware who'd make it at the morning gathering.

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, Alan Carr provided unforgettable quotes.

"Let's face it, I began this game as something of an anxious mess. I've thrown close allies to save myself, I've murdered beloved figures openly. Apparently I'm more deceptive and player than I believed."

Meanwhile, a different player noted that reaching the conclusion was "way more stressful than playing for 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, replacing an earlier departed fashionable contestant.

The winner appeared at the morning meal looking like a 1950s US chat show host in patterned burgundy attire, later switching into a bejewelled white suit.

But he was out-jacketted by another contestant's maroon velvet tuxedo. Impressive style.

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

This task saw them ripping up portraits of eliminated players. Have sympathy for a player who was hit in the head multiple times by the lid of a heavy wooden box.

Soon after, it was time for the elimination discussion.

Two traitors did a pinky promise beforehand, vowing to stick together. "We've come a long way, I won't betray him," stated one, while their partner simply laughed.

However, one adhered to their agreement. But, having slipped unnoticed for most of the game, the other still received the majority elimination votes.

The remaining traitor appeared he was in a world of pain to be the last traitor standing. "Now I'm on my own, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm unpredictable, a rudderless ship."

Social media and viewers were similarly upset.

"I hoped against this contestant to be banished. A truly loveable traitor," commented a commentator.

"You will forever be remembered in the show's legacy," posted another user.

But there was no time to focus on their elimination. Soon, they were at the endgame - this being the moment everyone anticipated.

The last players stood over the fire pit. Meanwhile, the partnership collapsed, precisely when it mattered the most, in an absolutely shocking development.

One contestant was eliminated in dramatic fashion - following a surprising decision from their ally, who turned against them.

"It hurts to be stabbed in the back at the final moment in that manner," said the eliminated player. Later, we learned that if they ever communicate, the betrayed player refers to the other by a betrayer's name.

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

One player, appearing quite pleased, voted to end the game. So did a different player, and everything depended on the final participant, who did the same - resulting in the deceiver emerged victorious.

For observers, the scene where remaining contestants comforted the champion was "compelling television". "I predict it could be a contender for outstanding scene at television honors," they said.

Fortunately, the winner quickly regained composure from his bout of tears, and could finally appreciate the moment.

"Such an emotional journey. I thought I was terrible at deception, my expressions gave me away and here I am a winner," he said.

He also joked about that infamous murder - his close ally during the initial stages - by leaning toward the host 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 famous people scheming, plotting and sometimes unexpected moments may seem like one big crazy jumbled dream. But it really did occur. And we will miss it.