After weeks of tension, plots and sabotage, Celebrity Traitors has reached a thrilling end

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

Throughout the season, audiences saw eliminations, double-crosses, intense glares, and an unforgettable incident that cut through the overwhelming tension.

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

Out of nineteen participants, only five were left standing: Traitors and faithfuls competing for the prize.

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

Ultimately, funny man Alan Carr emerged as the champion, in a shocking outcome that went viral and made him tearful.

"It's been tearing me apart, I'm so sorry," he exclaimed, admitting to the remaining faithfuls that he'd always been a traitor. "I feel terrible about this."

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

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

"It couldn't have been a more iconic ending," wrote another, while someone else described it as "the television highlight of the year."

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

The comedian's evolution from comic relief to strategic player was among the most memorable aspects of the series.

However, his victory still shocked viewers in shock, according to entertainment reporters.

"The idea of Alan, of all people, pulling off a masterclass in deception felt about as likely as him keeping a straight face through his comedy routines."

During follow-up conversations, fellow players explained 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," a player said.

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

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

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

Thursday evening's episode was lengthened to 70 minutes on the network. There was an unusual opening than usual, 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 we recapped some moments from each of the finalists' experience in the game.

As ever, Alan Carr gave us some of the most memorable lines.

"To be honest, I started the competition a bit of an anxious mess. I've thrown some really good friends to save myself, I've murdered beloved figures in plain sight. I'm clearly more deceptive and traitor than I thought."

At the same time, another contestant noted that being in the final was "significantly more pressure than competing with England", while someone else said he was "completely amazed" to have lasted this long.

Early on in the episode, several players appeared to be attempting to become the fashion standout of the competition, taking over from an earlier departed fashionable contestant.

The winner appeared at breakfast looking like a vintage television personality in patterned burgundy attire, before changing into an embellished light-colored outfit.

But he was out-jacketted by a fellow player's burgundy formal wear. What a look.

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

The challenge involved destroying portraits of eliminated players. Spare a thought for a player who was hit in the head multiple times by the lid of a heavy wooden box.

Before long, the moment arrived for the roundtable.

The deceivers did a pinky promise in advance, vowing to support each other. "We've progressed significantly, I won't throw him under a bus," said a player, while the other simply laughed.

And one did stick to his promise. Yet, managing to stay under the radar for most of the game, the other still got the most votes.

The remaining traitor appeared he was in a world of pain to be the final deceiver remaining. "Being alone, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, a rudderless ship."

Social media and viewers were equally disappointed.

"I hoped against this contestant to be banished. An endearing deceiver," said an observer.

"You will forever be remembered in Traitors history," posted another user.

But there was no time to dwell on this departure. Soon, they were at the final stage - this being what we were really all here for.

The last players stood over the ceremonial fire. Meanwhile, the partnership collapsed, precisely when it was most crucial, in an absolutely shocking development.

A player was eliminated in dramatic fashion - following a surprising decision from their ally, who betrayed them.

"It hurts to be betrayed at the final moment in that manner," remarked the eliminated player. Subsequently, it was revealed that when they message, the betrayed player refers to their former ally by a betrayer's name.

Finally, only three contestants were still competing: the last participants.

A contestant, looking incredibly smug, chose to conclude the competition. So did another, and everything depended on the third, who made the identical choice - resulting in the deceiver was the winner.

According to commentators, the moment where remaining contestants consoled the winner was "beautiful TV". "I predict it could be a contender for memorable moment at next year's awards," they commented.

Happily, the winner quickly regained composure from his bout of tears, and was able to enjoy his victory.

"Such an emotional journey. I thought I was terrible at deception, my expressions gave me away and now I stand the champion," he said.

And he even joked about that infamous murder - his close ally in an early episode - by leaning toward the presenter in the concluding moments and making contact.

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

The recent episodes of celebrity gossiping, plotting and sometimes surprising incidents may seem like a bizarre fantasy. But it really did occur. It will be remembered fondly.