Following multiple episodes of tension, plots and sabotage, The Celebrity Traitors concludes with a nail-biting end

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

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

However on Thursday night, the ultimate victor of the first Celebrity Traitors emerged triumphant.

Out of 19 contestants, just a handful were left standing: Deceivers and loyal players competing for the prize.

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

Ultimately, comedian Alan Carr emerged as the champion, in a shocking result that broke the internet and made him tearful.

"It's been tearing me apart, I'm so sorry," he exclaimed, admitting to the remaining faithfuls that he'd always been a traitor. "I'm an awful human being."

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

Online platforms immediately exploded with the news. "Most awful traitor ever being the best traitor ever," commented a viewer.

"There could not have been a more iconic ending," wrote a different person, while a third described it as "the TV moment of the year."

The organization he selected, Neuroblastoma UK, 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 among the most memorable aspects of the series.

But his win still shocked viewers surprised, as noted by industry observers.

"The idea of Alan, of all people, pulling off an expert performance in deceit felt just as probable as him keeping composure through his comedy routines."

During follow-up conversations, fellow players summed up the reasons nobody had truly doubted him.

"Alan could have appeared to breakfast in traitor attire and I still wouldn't have thought he was deceiving us. I was too busy laughing," a player said.

"Most people didn't vote for him because how can you vote for a person so loveable?" questioned another celebrity.

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

"I'd like to participate once more... I don't think it would work a second time!"

The final episode was extended to 70 minutes on the network. It had a different start than typical episodes, as all the celebs were aware who'd make it at the morning gathering.

There was some very uplifting, and very un-Traitors-esque soundtrack, as we recapped key scenes from each of the finalists' time in the castle.

True to form, the comedian provided unforgettable quotes.

"Let's face it, I started the competition a bit of a nervous wreck. I've thrown close allies to save myself, I've eliminated beloved figures in plain sight. I'm clearly a better liar and player than I thought."

At the same time, a different player noted that reaching the conclusion was "way more stressful than playing for England", while another said he was "completely amazed" to have lasted this long.

In the beginning of the finale, various contestants appeared to be attempting to become the fashion standout of the castle, replacing an earlier departed fashionable contestant.

Carr emerged at breakfast resembling a 1950s US chat show host in patterned burgundy attire, before changing into an embellished light-colored outfit.

But he was outstyled by another contestant's maroon velvet tuxedo. What a look.

Following this was the challenge, with the remaining contestants boarding a train named - of course - The Traitors Express.

This task involved destroying portraits of former contestants. Have sympathy for one participant who was hit in the head multiple times by the cover of a heavy wooden box.

Before long, it was time for the roundtable.

The deceivers made a pact beforehand, pledging to support each other. "We've progressed significantly, I won't throw him under a bus," said one, while their partner simply laughed.

And one did stick to his promise. Yet, managing to stay unnoticed for the majority of the competition, their partner still got the most votes.

The remaining traitor 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 that player to be banished. An endearing deceiver," commented an observer.

"You will forever be remembered in the show's legacy," posted a different viewer.

However, there remained little opportunity to dwell on their elimination. Before long, they were at the final stage - this being the moment everyone anticipated.

The final four stood over the ceremonial fire. And the alliance collapsed, precisely when it was most crucial, in an absolutely shocking development.

One contestant was eliminated in dramatic fashion - after a shock vote from their ally, who turned against them.

"This pains me to be betrayed at the final moment in that manner," remarked the eliminated player. Subsequently, it was revealed that when they message, the betrayed player refers to the other by a betrayer's name.

Finally, only three contestants were still competing: the final trio.

One player, appearing quite pleased, voted to end the game. The same decision was made by another, and it all came down to the final participant, who made the identical choice - resulting in the deceiver emerged victorious.

According to commentators, the scene where the other players comforted the champion was "compelling television". "I predict it will be in the running for outstanding scene at television honors," they said.

Fortunately, the winner soon recovered from his bout of tears, and was able to enjoy the moment.

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

He also made light of the memorable elimination - his close ally during the initial stages - by reaching over the presenter in the final scene and touching her cheek.

"You've got something on your face," he said, with his characteristic laugh.

The last few weeks of famous people scheming, plotting and the occasional surprising incidents may feel like a bizarre fantasy. But it really did all happen. It will be remembered fondly.