Following weeks of tension, plots and sabotage, The Celebrity Traitors concludes with a thrilling end

Warning: spoilers ahead - This article reveals details from Celebrity Traitors conclusion

Over the course of the show, audiences saw eliminations, betrayals, intense glares, and an unforgettable incident that cut through all tension.

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

Out of 19 contestants, just a handful remained: Traitors and loyal players competing for the winnings.

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

Ultimately, comedian Alan Carr emerged as the winner, in a shocking result that broke the internet and left him emotional.

"This has been destroying me, my apologies," he declared, admitting to the other players that he'd always been a traitor. "I feel terrible about this."

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

Social media immediately exploded with this development. "The worst deceiver being the best traitor ever," wrote one user.

"It couldn't have been a better conclusion," stated another, while a third described it as "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.

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

But his win still left the nation surprised, according to entertainment reporters.

"The idea of Alan, of all people, executing an expert performance in deception felt about as likely as him maintaining a straight face through his comedy routines."

During follow-up conversations, the other contestants explained the reasons nobody had ever really suspected him.

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

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

The winner stated he had "thoroughly enjoyed" his time on the show.

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

The final episode was extended to 70 minutes on the network. There was a different start than typical episodes, as all the celebs were aware who would appear at the morning gathering.

There was some very uplifting, and atypical for the show soundtrack, as the episode revisited key scenes from each of the finalists' experience in the game.

True to form, the comedian provided 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 under the bus, I've eliminated national treasures openly. Apparently I'm a better liar and traitor than I thought."

At the same time, a different player noted that being in the final was "significantly more pressure than playing for a national team", while another said he was "completely amazed" to have lasted this long.

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

Carr emerged at the morning meal looking like a 1950s US chat show host in a checked maroon suit, later switching into an embellished light-colored outfit.

However, he got out-jacketted by another contestant's maroon velvet tuxedo. What a look.

Next up was the challenge, with the remaining contestants boarding a locomotive called - naturally - The Traitors Express.

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

Before long, it was time for the elimination discussion.

The deceivers made a pact beforehand, pledging to stick together. "We've progressed significantly, I won't throw him under a bus," said a player, while the other simply laughed.

However, one did stick to his promise. But, 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 significant distress to be the last traitor standing. "Being alone, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm unpredictable, a rudderless ship."

Social media and onlookers were equally disappointed.

"I hoped against this contestant to be banished. A truly loveable traitor," said a commentator.

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

But there was little opportunity to dwell on their elimination. Before long, 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 was most crucial, in a truly WTF moment.

A player was eliminated in dramatic fashion - after a shock vote from their ally, who betrayed them.

"This pains me to be stabbed in the back last minute like that," remarked the ousted contestant. Subsequently, we learned that when they message, the eliminated contestant calls the other as a traitor.

Ultimately, only three contestants were still competing: the final trio.

One player, looking incredibly smug, voted to end the game. The same decision was made by another, and it all came down to the third, who did the same - resulting in the deceiver emerged victorious.

According to commentators, the scene where the other players consoled the winner was "beautiful TV". "I anticipate it will be in the running for memorable moment at television honors," they said.

Happily, the winner soon recovered from his bout of tears, and was able to enjoy the moment.

"What a rollercoaster. I thought I was terrible at deception, my expressions gave me away and here I am the champion," the winner said.

He also made light of that infamous murder - his best friend in an early episode - by leaning toward the presenter in the final scene and making contact.

"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 one big crazy jumbled dream. But it really did occur. And we will miss it.