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

Warning: spoilers ahead - This piece reveals key moments from The Celebrity Traitors finale

Throughout the season, viewers witnessed eliminations, betrayals, intense glares, and an unforgettable incident that pierced the overwhelming tension.

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

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

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

In the end, funny man Alan Carr was crowned the champion, in a shocking outcome that broke the internet and left him emotional.

"It's been tearing me apart, I'm so sorry," he exclaimed, admitting to the other players that he was actually a traitor. "I'm an awful human being."

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

Online platforms quickly erupted with the news. "The worst deceiver being the most effective player," wrote a viewer.

"It couldn't have been a more iconic ending," stated a different person, while someone else described it as "the TV moment of the year."

His chosen charity, a cancer charity, gets to keep all the prize money, with the final pot amounting to £87,500.

The comedian's evolution from comic relief to cold-hearted killer was among the most memorable aspects of the series.

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

"The idea of Alan, among everyone, executing a masterclass in deceit felt about as likely as him keeping a straight face through his comedy routines."

During follow-up conversations, the other contestants explained 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," one participant said.

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

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

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

Thursday evening's installment was extended to over an hour on television. There was an unusual opening than usual, as every celebrity were aware who would appear at the breakfast table.

Viewers heard some very uplifting, and very un-Traitors-esque music, as we recapped some moments from every remaining player's experience in the game.

As ever, Alan Carr gave us unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I started the competition a bit of a nervous wreck. I've betrayed close allies to save myself, I've eliminated national treasures openly. I'm clearly more deceptive and player than I thought."

Meanwhile, a different player noted that reaching the conclusion was "way more stressful than playing for a national team", while another said he was "totally surprised" to have lasted this long.

Early on of the finale, several players appeared to be making a bid to become the new style icon of the competition, taking over from the previously eliminated fashionable contestant.

The winner appeared at the morning meal resembling a 1950s US chat show host in patterned burgundy attire, later switching into an embellished light-colored outfit.

But he was outstyled by a fellow player's burgundy formal wear. Impressive style.

Next up was the competition, with the remaining contestants getting on board a locomotive called - naturally - The Deceivers' Railway.

The challenge saw them destroying images of eliminated players. Have sympathy for one participant who managed to get hit in the head multiple times by the cover of a heavy wooden box.

Before long, it was time for the roundtable.

The deceivers did a pinky promise beforehand, vowing to stick together. "We've come a long way, I won't betray him," said a player, while their partner just giggled.

However, one adhered to his promise. But, having slipped under the radar for most of the game, the other still got the most votes.

The remaining traitor looked like to be experiencing a world of pain to be the final deceiver remaining. "Now I'm on my own, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm unpredictable, a rudderless ship."

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," posted a different viewer.

But there was little opportunity to dwell on this departure. Soon, the game reached the endgame - which was what we were really all here for.

The final four gathered around the fire pit. Meanwhile, the partnership collapsed, precisely when it mattered the most, in a truly WTF moment.

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

"This pains me to be betrayed at the final moment in that manner," said the ousted contestant. Subsequently, it was revealed that if they ever communicate, the eliminated contestant calls the other as a traitor.

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

One player, looking incredibly smug, voted to end the competition. The same decision was made by another, and everything depended on the third, who made the identical choice - which meant that the deceiver was the winner.

For observers, the scene where the other players comforted the winner was "compelling television". "I anticipate it could be a contender for outstanding scene at television honors," they commented.

Fortunately, the winner soon recovered from his emotional outburst, and was able to enjoy 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.

He also made light of that infamous murder - his close ally in an early episode - by reaching over the host in the final scene and touching her cheek.

"There's something on your face," he said, with his trademark giggle.

The last few weeks of famous people scheming, scheming and sometimes unexpected moments may feel like a bizarre fantasy. But it really did occur. And we will miss it.