After multiple episodes of tension, schemes and sabotage, The Celebrity Traitors concludes with a thrilling end

Spoiler alert - This article discloses key moments from The Celebrity Traitors finale

Over the course of the show, audiences saw eliminations, betrayals, serious side-eye, and an unforgettable incident that cut through all suspense.

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

From 19 contestants, only five remained: Deceivers and faithfuls facing off for the prize.

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

In the end, comedian Alan Carr emerged as the winner, in a shocking outcome that went viral and left him emotional.

"It's been tearing me apart, I'm so sorry," he declared, admitting to the other players that he'd always been one of the deceivers. "I feel terrible about this."

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

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

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

His chosen charity, Neuroblastoma UK, gets to keep all the prize money, with the final pot 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 shocked viewers in shock, as noted by entertainment reporters.

"The idea of Alan, among everyone, pulling off an expert performance in deceit felt about as likely as him keeping composure through his comedy routines."

During follow-up conversations, the other contestants explained why no one had ever really suspected him.

"Alan could have come down to breakfast in traitor attire and I still wouldn't have thought he was a traitor. His humor distracted me," a player said.

"Most people didn't vote for him because how can you vote for someone who is so charming?" questioned a different contestant.

The winner stated he had "thoroughly enjoyed" his experience with the program.

"I'd like to do it again... I don't think it would be successful a second time!"

Thursday evening's installment was extended to 70 minutes on television. There was an unusual opening than typical episodes, as every celebrity knew who would appear at the morning gathering.

There was some very uplifting, and very un-Traitors-esque soundtrack, as we recapped some moments from each of the finalists' experience in the game.

True to form, Alan Carr gave us some of the most memorable lines.

"Let's face it, I started the competition as something of a nervous wreck. I've thrown close allies to save myself, I've murdered national treasures in plain sight. I'm clearly a better liar and traitor than I thought."

At the same time, a different player noted that being in the final was "way more stressful than competing with a national team", while someone else said he was "completely amazed" to have made it so far.

Early on of the finale, various contestants appeared to be attempting to become the new style icon of the competition, replacing an earlier departed style leader.

Carr emerged at breakfast resembling a vintage television personality in patterned burgundy attire, before changing into a bejewelled white suit.

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

Following this was the competition, with the final players boarding a locomotive called - of course - The Deceivers' Railway.

The challenge involved ripping up portraits of former contestants. Spare a thought for a player who was hit in the head multiple times by the lid of a substantial container.

Soon after, the moment arrived for the elimination discussion.

Two traitors made a pact beforehand, vowing to stick together. "We've come a long way, I'm not going to throw him under a bus," said a player, while the other just giggled.

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

The last deceiver looked like he was in significant distress to be the last traitor standing. "Being alone, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm unpredictable, without direction."

Online platforms and viewers were similarly upset.

"I did NOT want that player to be banished. An endearing deceiver," commented an observer.

"You will forever be remembered in Traitors history," posted another user.

However, there remained little opportunity to dwell on this departure. Before long, they were at the endgame - this being the moment everyone anticipated.

The last players stood over the ceremonial fire. Meanwhile, the partnership broke down, just when it mattered the most, in a truly WTF moment.

A player was painfully banished - after a shock vote from their partner, who betrayed them.

"This pains me to be stabbed in the back at the final moment in that manner," remarked the eliminated player. Subsequently, it was revealed that if they ever communicate, the betrayed player refers to their former ally as a traitor.

Finally, only three contestants were still competing: the last participants.

A contestant, appearing quite pleased, voted to end the game. The same decision was made by another, and everything depended on the final participant, who did the same - resulting in the deceiver emerged victorious.

According to commentators, the moment where the other players consoled the winner was "compelling television". "I anticipate it will be a contender for memorable moment at next year's awards," they commented.

Fortunately, the winner quickly regained composure from his emotional outburst, and could finally appreciate the moment.

"Such an emotional journey. I was awful at lying, my expressions gave me away and here I am a winner," the winner said.

And he even joked about that infamous murder - 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 sometimes unexpected moments may seem like a bizarre fantasy. Yet it actually occur. And we will miss it.