Following weeks of tension, schemes and sabotage, Celebrity Traitors has reached a nail-biting end

Spoiler alert - This piece reveals details from Celebrity Traitors conclusion

Throughout the season, audiences saw murders, betrayals, intense glares, and a memorable moment that cut through the overwhelming tension.

Yet on Thursday night, the ultimate victor of the first Celebrity Traitors was revealed.

From 19 contestants, just a handful were left standing: Deceivers and faithfuls competing for the winnings.

Soon, the field narrowed to only three contenders: the final players.

Ultimately, comedian Alan Carr was crowned the winner, in a surprising result that went viral and left him emotional.

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

"You did brilliantly," they consoled him. "Everything's fine."

Social media quickly erupted with this development. "Most awful traitor ever being the best traitor ever," commented one user.

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

The organization he selected, Neuroblastoma UK, gets to keep the entire winnings, with the final pot reaching £87,500.

The comedian's evolution from giggle liability to strategic player was among the most memorable aspects of the season.

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

"The thought of him, among everyone, pulling off a masterclass in deception felt about as likely as him keeping a straight face through one of his own punchlines."

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

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

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

Carr said he had "thoroughly enjoyed" his experience with the program.

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

The final episode was extended to 70 minutes on television. It had a different start than usual, as all the celebs knew who would appear at the morning gathering.

Viewers heard 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, 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 to save myself, I've eliminated beloved figures openly. Apparently I'm a better liar and player than I thought."

At the same time, a different player commented that being in the final was "way more stressful than playing for a national team", while another said he was "completely amazed" to have made it so far.

In the beginning in the episode, various contestants appeared to be attempting to become the fashion standout of the castle, replacing the previously eliminated style leader.

The winner appeared at breakfast resembling a 1950s US chat show host in a checked maroon suit, later switching into an embellished light-colored outfit.

But he was out-jacketted by a fellow player's maroon velvet tuxedo. What a look.

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

This task involved destroying images of eliminated players. Have sympathy for one participant who managed to get hit on the head THREE times by the cover of a substantial container.

Before long, it was time for the elimination discussion.

Two traitors made a pact in advance, pledging to support each other. "We've progressed significantly, I won't throw him under a bus," stated a player, while the other simply laughed.

However, one adhered to his promise. Yet, managing to stay under the radar for the majority of the competition, the other still got the most votes.

The remaining traitor looked like to be experiencing significant distress to be the last traitor standing. "Now I'm on my own, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, without direction."

Online platforms and onlookers were similarly upset.

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

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

But there was little opportunity to dwell on this departure. Soon, they were at the endgame - this being the moment everyone anticipated.

The final four stood over the ceremonial fire. Meanwhile, the partnership broke down, just when it was most crucial, in an absolutely shocking development.

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

"It hurts to be betrayed last minute like that," remarked the ousted contestant. Later, we learned that if they ever communicate, the eliminated contestant refers to their former ally as a traitor.

Finally, just three players were still competing: the last participants.

A contestant, appearing quite pleased, voted to end the competition. So did a different player, and it all came down to the final participant, who made the identical choice - which meant that the deceiver was the winner.

According to commentators, the moment where the other players comforted the champion was "beautiful TV". "I anticipate it will be in the running for outstanding scene at television honors," they commented.

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

"Such an emotional journey. I was awful at lying, my expressions gave me away and here I am a winner," he said.

He also made light of that infamous murder - his best friend 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 celebrity gossiping, scheming and sometimes unexpected moments may feel like one big crazy jumbled dream. But it really did all happen. And we will miss it.