After weeks of tension, schemes and sabotage, Celebrity Traitors has reached a nail-biting finale

Spoiler alert - This piece reveals key moments from The Celebrity Traitors conclusion

Throughout the season, audiences saw murders, betrayals, intense glares, and an unforgettable incident that cut through all tension.

Yet on the final evening, the ultimate victor of the first celebrity edition emerged triumphant.

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

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

In the end, funny man Alan Carr was crowned the champion, in a shocking outcome that went viral 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 a traitor. "I feel terrible about this."

"You played amazingly," they comforted him. "It's all right."

Social media immediately exploded with the news. "Most awful traitor ever being the most effective player," commented one user.

"There could not have been a better conclusion," stated a different person, while someone else described it as "the TV moment of the year."

The organization he selected, a cancer charity, will receive all the prize money, with the total amount amounting to £87,500.

The comedian's evolution from comic relief to cold-hearted killer was one of the standout highlights of the season.

However, his victory still shocked viewers in shock, according to industry observers.

"The thought of him, of all people, executing an expert performance in deception felt about as likely as him maintaining composure through his comedy routines."

During follow-up conversations, the other contestants explained why no one had truly doubted him.

"He might have come down to breakfast in traitor attire and I wouldn't have believed he was a traitor. His humor distracted me," a player said.

"The majority didn't target him because how does one eliminate someone who is so loveable?" questioned another celebrity.

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

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

Thursday evening's installment was extended to 70 minutes on television. There was a different start than typical episodes, as every celebrity were aware who would appear at the breakfast table.

There was some very uplifting, and atypical for the show soundtrack, as we recapped key scenes from every remaining player's experience in the game.

As ever, the comedian provided unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I started this game a bit of a nervous wreck. I've betrayed some really good friends to save myself, I've eliminated beloved figures in plain sight. Apparently I'm a better liar and player than I thought."

At the same time, a different player commented that being in the final was "way more stressful than playing for England", while someone else said he was "completely amazed" to have lasted this long.

Early on of the finale, various contestants appeared to be making a bid to become the fashion standout of the competition, taking over from an earlier departed style leader.

The winner appeared at breakfast looking like a vintage television personality in a checked maroon suit, later switching into a bejewelled white suit.

But he was outstyled by another contestant's maroon velvet tuxedo. Impressive style.

Following this was the competition, with the remaining contestants boarding a locomotive called - naturally - The Deceivers' Railway.

This task saw them ripping up images of eliminated players. Have sympathy for a player who was hit in the head multiple times by the cover of a substantial container.

Soon after, it was time for the elimination discussion.

The deceivers did a pinky promise in advance, vowing to support each other. "We've come a long way, I won't betray him," stated one, while the other just giggled.

However, one did stick to his promise. Yet, having slipped under the radar for most of the game, their partner still received the majority elimination votes.

The remaining traitor appeared to be experiencing significant distress to be the last traitor standing. "Now I'm on my own, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, without direction."

Online platforms and onlookers were equally disappointed.

"I did NOT want this contestant to be eliminated. An endearing deceiver," said a commentator.

"Your legacy will remain in the show's legacy," wrote a different viewer.

But there was no time to dwell on their elimination. Soon, the game reached the endgame - this being the moment everyone anticipated.

The last players stood over the fire pit. And the alliance broke down, just when it was most crucial, in an absolutely shocking development.

One contestant was painfully banished - after a shock vote from their ally, who betrayed them.

"It hurts to be stabbed in the back at the final moment in that manner," remarked the ousted contestant. Subsequently, it was revealed that if they ever communicate, the eliminated contestant refers to their former ally as a traitor.

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

One player, appearing quite pleased, chose to conclude the game. So did another, and it all came down to the final participant, who did the same - resulting in the traitor was the winner.

For observers, the scene where remaining contestants comforted the winner was "beautiful TV". "I anticipate it will be in the running for outstanding scene at television honors," they said.

Fortunately, the champion 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," he said.

And he even joked about the memorable elimination - his close ally during the initial stages - by leaning toward the presenter in the concluding moments and making contact.

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

The recent episodes of famous people scheming, plotting and the occasional unexpected moments may seem like a bizarre fantasy. Yet it actually occur. And we will miss it.