Following multiple episodes of tension, plots and sabotage, The Celebrity Traitors concludes with a thrilling finale

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

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

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

From 19 contestants, just a handful were left standing: Deceivers and loyal players competing for the prize.

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

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

"This has been destroying me, my apologies," he exclaimed, revealing to the other players that he was actually a traitor. "I'm an awful human being."

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

Social media immediately exploded with this development. "Most awful traitor ever being the most effective player," commented one user.

"It couldn't have been a better conclusion," stated a different person, while a third described it as "the TV moment of the year."

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

The comedian's evolution from giggle liability to strategic player was one of the standout highlights of the series.

But his win still left the nation surprised, as noted by entertainment reporters.

"The idea of Alan, 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, the other contestants summed up the reasons nobody had truly doubted him.

"Alan could have appeared to breakfast in traitor attire and I wouldn't have believed he was a traitor. His humor distracted me," a player said.

"The majority didn't target him because how can you vote for someone who is so loveable?" questioned another celebrity.

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

"I'd like to participate once more... I don't think it would work again!"

The final episode was lengthened to 70 minutes on television. There was an unusual opening than usual, as all the celebs were aware who'd make it at the morning gathering.

There was some very uplifting, and very un-Traitors-esque music, as we recapped some moments from every remaining player's experience in the game.

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

"To be honest, I started this game a bit of an anxious mess. I've thrown some really good friends under the bus, I've murdered national treasures in plain sight. I'm clearly a better liar and traitor than I believed."

At the same time, another contestant commented that being in the final was "way more stressful than competing with a national team", while another said he was "totally surprised" to have made it so far.

Early on of the finale, several players appeared to be attempting to become the new style icon of the competition, taking over from the previously eliminated style leader.

Carr emerged at breakfast looking like a 1950s US chat show host in a checked maroon suit, before changing into a bejewelled white suit.

However, he got outstyled by a fellow player's maroon velvet tuxedo. What a look.

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

The challenge involved ripping up images of former contestants. Spare a thought for a player who managed to get hit in the head multiple times by the lid of a substantial container.

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," stated one, while their partner just giggled.

However, one did stick to his promise. But, having slipped unnoticed for the majority of the competition, the other still received the majority elimination votes.

The last deceiver looked like 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 unpredictable, a rudderless ship."

Online platforms and viewers were similarly upset.

"I did NOT want this contestant to be eliminated. A truly loveable traitor," commented an observer.

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

However, there remained little opportunity to focus on their elimination. Before long, they were at the endgame - which was what we were really all here for.

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

One contestant was eliminated in dramatic fashion - following a surprising decision from their partner, who betrayed them.

"This pains me to be betrayed at the final moment in that manner," said the ousted contestant. Later, we learned that when they message, the eliminated contestant refers to the other as a traitor.

Ultimately, just three players remained in the game: the final trio.

One player, looking incredibly smug, chose to conclude the game. So did a different player, and it all came down to the final participant, who did the same - resulting in the traitor emerged victorious.

According to commentators, the scene where remaining contestants comforted the winner was "compelling television". "I predict it will be in the running for memorable moment at next year's awards," they said.

Happily, the winner quickly regained composure from his emotional outburst, and was able to enjoy his victory.

"Such an emotional journey. I was awful at lying, I had no poker face and now I stand the champion," the winner said.

He also joked about the memorable elimination - his best friend in an early episode - by leaning toward the presenter in the final scene and touching her cheek.

"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 one big crazy jumbled dream. Yet it actually occur. It will be remembered fondly.