Following weeks of tension, plots and sabotage, Celebrity Traitors concludes with a thrilling finale

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

Over the course of the show, audiences saw murders, betrayals, serious side-eye, and a memorable moment that cut through the overwhelming tension.

However on Thursday night, the ultimate victor of the first celebrity edition was revealed.

Out of 19 contestants, just a handful remained: Deceivers and faithfuls competing for the winnings.

Soon, the field narrowed to just three: the remaining contestants.

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

"It's been tearing me apart, I'm so sorry," he declared, admitting to the remaining faithfuls that he was actually one of the deceivers. "I'm an awful human being."

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

Online platforms immediately exploded with this development. "Most awful traitor ever being the most effective player," commented one user.

"There could not have been a better conclusion," wrote another, while a third called it "the television highlight of the year."

The organization he selected, Neuroblastoma UK, will receive the entire winnings, with the total amount reaching £87,500.

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

But his win still shocked viewers surprised, according to industry observers.

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

During follow-up conversations, the other contestants explained the reasons nobody had ever really suspected him.

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

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

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

"I'd like to participate once more... I doubt it would work a second time!"

Thursday evening's installment was lengthened to 70 minutes on the network. There was an unusual opening than usual, as every celebrity knew who'd make it at the breakfast table.

There was particularly inspiring, and very un-Traitors-esque music, as we recapped key scenes from each of the finalists' experience in the game.

As ever, Alan Carr gave us unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I started the competition as something of an anxious mess. I've thrown some really good friends to save myself, I've murdered beloved figures in plain sight. I'm clearly a better liar and traitor than I believed."

At the same time, another contestant noted that reaching the conclusion was "significantly more pressure than competing with a national team", while another said he was "completely amazed" to have lasted this long.

In the beginning of the finale, several players seemed to be attempting to become the new style icon of the competition, replacing an earlier departed style leader.

The winner appeared at the morning meal resembling a 1950s US chat show host in a checked maroon suit, later switching into a bejewelled white suit.

However, he got outstyled by a fellow player's burgundy formal wear. Impressive style.

Next up was the competition, with the final players boarding a train named - naturally - The Traitors Express.

The challenge saw them destroying images of eliminated players. Spare a thought for one participant who managed to get hit on the head THREE times by the cover of a heavy wooden box.

Soon after, the moment arrived 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," stated one, while their partner just giggled.

And one did stick to his promise. But, having slipped unnoticed for most of the game, their partner still received the majority elimination 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 feel terrified," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, without direction."

Online platforms and viewers were similarly upset.

"I hoped against that player to be eliminated. A truly loveable traitor," said an observer.

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

However, there remained no time to dwell on this departure. Soon, the game reached the final stage - this being what we were really all here for.

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

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

"This pains me to be betrayed at the final moment like that," remarked the eliminated player. Later, it was revealed that if they ever communicate, the betrayed player calls the other as a traitor.

Ultimately, only three contestants remained in the game: the last participants.

One player, looking incredibly smug, voted to end the competition. So did a different player, and it all came down to the third, who did the same - resulting in the traitor emerged victorious.

According to commentators, the moment where remaining contestants consoled the champion was "compelling television". "I anticipate it could be a contender for memorable moment at television honors," they said.

Happily, the champion soon recovered from his bout of tears, and could finally appreciate the moment.

"What a rollercoaster. I thought I was terrible at deception, my expressions gave me away and now I stand the champion," the winner said.

And he even made light of that infamous murder - his close ally in an early episode - by reaching over the presenter in the final scene and making contact.

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

The recent episodes of celebrity gossiping, scheming and sometimes surprising incidents may seem like a bizarre fantasy. Yet it actually all happen. And we will miss it.