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

Spoiler alert - This piece discloses details from The Celebrity Traitors finale

Over the course of the show, audiences saw eliminations, double-crosses, intense glares, and an unforgettable incident that pierced all suspense.

Yet on the final evening, the ultimate victor of the first Celebrity Traitors was revealed.

Out of 19 contestants, just a handful were left standing: Deceivers and loyal players facing off for the winnings.

Soon, the competition tightened to only three contenders: the final players.

Ultimately, funny man Alan Carr emerged as the champion, in a surprising outcome that went viral and left him emotional.

"This has been destroying me, my apologies," he declared, revealing to the remaining faithfuls that he was actually one of the deceivers. "I'm an awful human being."

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

Social media immediately exploded with the news. "The worst deceiver being the most effective player," commented a viewer.

"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 total amount reaching £87,500.

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

However, his victory still left the nation surprised, as noted by entertainment reporters.

"The thought of him, of all people, pulling off a masterclass in deception felt just as probable as him maintaining composure through his comedy routines."

During follow-up conversations, fellow players summed up why no one had ever really suspected him.

"He might have appeared to breakfast in a green cloak and I wouldn't have believed he was deceiving us. I was too busy laughing," one participant said.

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

Carr said he had "absolutely loved" his time on the program.

"I want to participate once more... I doubt it would be successful again!"

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

There was particularly inspiring, and very un-Traitors-esque music, as the episode revisited some moments from each of the finalists' experience in the game.

True to form, Alan Carr gave us unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I began this game as something of an anxious mess. I've thrown some really good friends under the bus, I've eliminated beloved figures in plain sight. Apparently I'm a better liar and traitor than I believed."

Meanwhile, another contestant commented that being in the final was "way more stressful than competing with England", while someone else said he was "totally surprised" to have made it so far.

Early on of the finale, various contestants seemed to be attempting to become the new style icon of the competition, taking over from an earlier departed style leader.

Carr emerged at the morning meal 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. What a look.

Next up was the challenge, with the remaining contestants getting on board a train named - of course - The Traitors Express.

This task involved ripping up images of eliminated players. Have sympathy for one participant who was hit in the head THREE times by the lid of a heavy wooden box.

Before long, the moment arrived for the roundtable.

Two traitors did a pinky promise beforehand, vowing to stick together. "We've come a long way, I won't betray him," said one, while the other just giggled.

However, one adhered to their agreement. Yet, managing to stay unnoticed for most of the game, the other still received the majority elimination votes.

The last deceiver looked like he was in a world of pain to be the final deceiver remaining. "Being alone, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, a rudderless ship."

Online platforms and onlookers were equally disappointed.

"I hoped against that player to be eliminated. A truly loveable traitor," commented a commentator.

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

But there was no time to focus on their elimination. Before long, they were at the endgame - this being what we were really all here for.

The last players gathered around the ceremonial fire. And the alliance collapsed, precisely when it mattered the most, in a truly WTF moment.

A player was eliminated in dramatic fashion - following a surprising decision from their partner, who turned against them.

"It hurts to be betrayed at the final moment like that," said the eliminated player. Subsequently, we learned that when they message, the betrayed player refers to their former ally as a traitor.

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

One player, appearing quite pleased, voted to end the competition. So did another, and it all came down to the final participant, who did the same - which meant that the deceiver was the winner.

For observers, the scene where remaining contestants comforted the champion was "compelling television". "I anticipate it could be a contender for outstanding scene at next year's awards," they commented.

Fortunately, 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, I had no poker face and here I am a winner," the winner said.

And he even joked about the memorable elimination - his close ally during the initial stages - 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 last few weeks of famous people scheming, scheming and the occasional unexpected moments may seem like a bizarre fantasy. But it really did all happen. And we will miss it.