Following multiple episodes of tension, schemes and sabotage, The Celebrity Traitors has reached a thrilling finale

Spoiler alert - This article discloses details from Celebrity Traitors finale

Throughout the season, audiences saw eliminations, betrayals, serious side-eye, and an unforgettable incident that pierced the overwhelming tension.

Yet on the final evening, the final winner of the inaugural Celebrity Traitors emerged triumphant.

From nineteen participants, only five remained: Traitors and loyal players competing for the winnings.

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

Ultimately, comedian Alan Carr was crowned the champion, in a shocking outcome that broke the internet and made him tearful.

"It's been tearing me apart, my apologies," he declared, revealing to the other players that he was actually one of the deceivers. "I feel terrible about this."

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

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

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

His chosen charity, a cancer charity, will receive the entire winnings, with the total amount reaching eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

Alan Carr's transformation from giggle liability to cold-hearted killer was among the most memorable aspects of the series.

However, his victory still left the nation in shock, according to entertainment reporters.

"The idea of Alan, among everyone, pulling off a masterclass in deceit felt just as probable as him maintaining a straight face through one of his own punchlines."

On subsequent discussions, fellow players explained the reasons nobody had truly doubted him.

"Alan could have come down 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 loveable?" asked a different contestant.

Carr said he had "thoroughly enjoyed" his time on the show.

"I want to participate once more... I don't think it would be successful again!"

Thursday evening's installment was extended to over an hour on the network. It had a different start than typical episodes, as every celebrity were aware who would appear at the morning gathering.

Viewers heard some very uplifting, and very un-Traitors-esque soundtrack, as we recapped some moments from each of the finalists' experience in the game.

As ever, Alan Carr provided unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I started this game as something of an anxious mess. I've betrayed some really good friends under the bus, I've murdered national treasures openly. Apparently I'm a better liar and traitor than I believed."

At the same time, a different player commented that being in the final was "significantly more pressure than competing with a national team", while someone else said he was "completely amazed" to have made it so far.

Early on of the finale, various contestants seemed to be making a bid to become the new style icon of the castle, taking over from an earlier departed style leader.

Carr emerged at the morning meal resembling a vintage television personality in patterned burgundy attire, later switching into an embellished light-colored outfit.

But he was out-jacketted by another contestant's burgundy formal wear. Impressive style.

Following this was the challenge, with the final players boarding a locomotive called - naturally - The Traitors Express.

This task saw them ripping up portraits of eliminated players. Spare a thought for one participant who managed to get hit on the head THREE times by the cover of a heavy wooden box.

Before long, it was time for the elimination discussion.

The deceivers did a pinky promise in advance, pledging to support each other. "We've come a long way, I won't betray him," said one, while their partner simply laughed.

However, one did stick to his promise. But, having slipped unnoticed for most of the game, the other still got the most votes.

The last deceiver appeared to be experiencing a world of pain to be the last traitor standing. "Now I'm on my own, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, a rudderless ship."

Online platforms and viewers were equally disappointed.

"I did NOT want that player to be eliminated. A truly loveable traitor," said a commentator.

"You will forever be remembered in the show's legacy," posted another user.

But there was little opportunity to dwell on their elimination. Soon, the game reached the endgame - this being the moment everyone anticipated.

The last players gathered around the ceremonial fire. Meanwhile, the partnership collapsed, just when it mattered the most, in an absolutely shocking development.

A player was painfully banished - after a shock vote from their partner, who betrayed them.

"It hurts to be betrayed last minute in that manner," remarked the ousted contestant. Subsequently, it was revealed that when they message, the eliminated contestant calls their former ally by a betrayer's name.

Ultimately, just three players remained in the game: the last participants.

One player, appearing quite pleased, voted to end the game. The same decision was made by another, and it all came down to the final participant, who did the same - which meant that the traitor was the winner.

According to commentators, the moment where the other players comforted the winner was "beautiful TV". "I predict it will be in the running for outstanding scene at next year's awards," they said.

Happily, the champion quickly regained composure 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 here I am the champion," the winner said.

He also made light of the memorable elimination - his best friend during the initial stages - by leaning toward the host in the concluding moments and touching her cheek.

"You've got something on your face," he said, with his characteristic laugh.

The recent episodes of famous people scheming, scheming and the occasional surprising incidents may seem like a bizarre fantasy. But it really did all happen. And we will miss it.