Following weeks of tension, schemes and sabotage, Celebrity Traitors has reached a thrilling end

Warning: spoilers ahead - This article discloses key moments from Celebrity Traitors finale

Over the course of the show, audiences saw murders, double-crosses, intense glares, and an unforgettable incident that cut through all tension.

However on the final evening, the ultimate victor of the inaugural celebrity edition emerged triumphant.

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

Soon, the field narrowed to just three: the final players.

Ultimately, comedian Alan Carr emerged as the champion, in a shocking result that went viral and left him emotional.

"It's been tearing me apart, my apologies," he exclaimed, revealing to the remaining faithfuls that he was actually a traitor. "I'm an awful human being."

"You played amazingly," they comforted him. "Everything's fine."

Online platforms quickly erupted with the news. "The worst deceiver being the best traitor ever," wrote one user.

"There could not have been a more iconic ending," stated a different person, while someone else called it "the television highlight of the year."

His chosen charity, a cancer charity, gets to keep the entire winnings, with the final pot amounting to eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

The comedian's evolution from giggle liability to cold-hearted killer was among the most memorable aspects of the season.

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

"The idea of Alan, of all people, executing an expert performance in deception felt just as probable as him keeping composure through one of his own punchlines."

On subsequent discussions, fellow players explained why no one had ever really suspected him.

"Alan could have come down to breakfast in a green cloak and I still wouldn't have thought he was a traitor. I was too busy laughing," one participant said.

"Most people didn't vote for him because how does one eliminate someone who is so charming?" questioned another celebrity.

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

"I want to do it again... I don't think it would be successful again!"

Thursday evening's installment was extended to 70 minutes on the network. It had an unusual opening than usual, as every celebrity knew who'd make it at the morning gathering.

Viewers heard some very uplifting, and very un-Traitors-esque music, as we recapped key scenes from each of the finalists' experience in the game.

As ever, Alan Carr provided unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I started this game a bit of a nervous wreck. I've betrayed some really good friends under the bus, I've murdered beloved figures in plain sight. Apparently I'm a better liar and traitor than I believed."

Meanwhile, a different player noted that reaching the conclusion was "significantly more pressure than playing for a national team", while someone else said he was "completely amazed" to have made it so far.

Early on of the finale, several players appeared to be making a bid to become the fashion standout of the competition, taking over from an earlier departed fashionable contestant.

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

But he was outstyled by another contestant's burgundy formal wear. Impressive style.

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

The challenge involved destroying images of former contestants. Have sympathy for a player who managed to get hit in the head THREE times by the lid of a heavy wooden box.

Before long, the moment arrived for the elimination discussion.

Two traitors did a pinky promise in advance, pledging to stick together. "We've come a long way, I won't throw him under a bus," stated one, while the other 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 looked like he was in a world of pain to be the last traitor standing. "Being alone, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm unpredictable, without direction."

Social media and onlookers were equally disappointed.

"I did NOT want that player to be eliminated. An endearing deceiver," commented a commentator.

"You will forever be remembered in Traitors history," wrote a different viewer.

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

The final four gathered around the ceremonial fire. And the alliance collapsed, precisely when it mattered the most, in an absolutely shocking development.

A player was painfully banished - following a surprising decision from their partner, who betrayed them.

"It hurts to be betrayed last minute in that manner," remarked the ousted contestant. Subsequently, we learned that if they ever communicate, the betrayed player calls their former ally by a betrayer's name.

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

A contestant, looking incredibly smug, chose to conclude the game. So did a different player, and it all came down to the third, who made the identical choice - which meant that the traitor emerged victorious.

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

Happily, the winner quickly regained composure from his emotional outburst, and could finally appreciate his victory.

"Such an emotional journey. I was awful at lying, my expressions gave me away and now I stand the champion," the winner said.

And he even joked about the memorable elimination - his best friend in an early episode - by reaching over the host 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 the occasional surprising incidents may feel like a bizarre fantasy. Yet it actually all happen. It will be remembered fondly.