After weeks of tension, plots and sabotage, Celebrity Traitors concludes with a nail-biting finale

Spoiler alert - This article discloses key moments from Celebrity Traitors finale

Throughout the season, viewers witnessed eliminations, betrayals, serious side-eye, and an unforgettable incident that pierced all tension.

However on Thursday night, the ultimate victor of the first celebrity edition emerged triumphant.

From nineteen participants, just a handful were left standing: Deceivers and loyal players facing off for the winnings.

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

Ultimately, funny man Alan Carr was crowned the winner, in a shocking result that broke the internet and left him emotional.

"This has been destroying me, I'm so sorry," he exclaimed, revealing to the remaining faithfuls that he'd always been a traitor. "I feel terrible about this."

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

Social media immediately exploded with the news. "Most awful traitor ever 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 TV moment of the year."

The organization he selected, Neuroblastoma UK, will receive all the prize money, with the final pot reaching £87,500.

Alan Carr's transformation from giggle liability to strategic player was one of the standout highlights of the season.

However, his victory still shocked viewers surprised, as noted by industry observers.

"The thought of him, of all people, pulling off a masterclass in deceit felt about as likely as him maintaining a straight face through his comedy routines."

During follow-up conversations, fellow players summed up why no one had truly doubted him.

"He might have come down to breakfast in traitor attire and I wouldn't have believed he was deceiving us. His humor distracted me," one participant said.

"The majority didn't target him because how does one eliminate a person so charming?" questioned a different contestant.

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

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

Thursday evening's episode was extended to 70 minutes on the network. There was an unusual opening than usual, as every celebrity were aware who would appear at the morning gathering.

Viewers heard some very uplifting, and atypical for the show music, as the episode revisited key scenes from each of the finalists' time in the castle.

True to form, the comedian gave us some of the most memorable lines.

"Let's face it, I began the competition a bit of a nervous wreck. I've betrayed close allies under the bus, I've murdered beloved figures openly. Apparently I'm a better liar and traitor than I thought."

At the same time, another contestant noted that reaching the conclusion was "significantly more pressure than playing for a national team", while another said he was "totally surprised" to have made it so far.

In the beginning in the episode, several players appeared to be making a bid to become the fashion standout of the castle, replacing the previously eliminated style leader.

Carr emerged at breakfast resembling a vintage television personality in patterned burgundy attire, before changing into a bejewelled white suit.

But he was outstyled by another contestant's maroon velvet tuxedo. What a look.

Next up was the competition, with the remaining contestants getting on board a train named - naturally - The Traitors Express.

This task saw them destroying portraits of eliminated players. Have sympathy for one participant who was hit in the head THREE times by the lid of a heavy wooden box.

Before long, the moment arrived for the elimination discussion.

Two traitors did a pinky promise beforehand, 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 adhered to their agreement. Yet, having slipped under the radar for most of the game, the other still got the most votes.

The last deceiver looked like he was in significant distress to be the last traitor standing. "Being alone, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm unpredictable, a rudderless ship."

Online platforms and onlookers were equally disappointed.

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

"Your legacy will remain in Traitors history," posted another user.

But there was little opportunity to dwell on this departure. Before long, they were at the final stage - this being what we were really all here for.

The last players stood over the ceremonial fire. And the alliance broke down, precisely when it mattered the most, in a truly WTF moment.

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

"This pains me to be betrayed last minute like that," remarked the eliminated player. Later, we learned that if they ever communicate, the betrayed player calls their former ally as a traitor.

Ultimately, just three players were still competing: the final trio.

One player, appearing quite pleased, voted to end the competition. The same decision was made by a different player, and it all came down to the third, who made the identical choice - resulting in the traitor was the winner.

For observers, the moment where remaining contestants comforted the winner was "beautiful TV". "I predict it could be in the running for outstanding scene at television honors," they said.

Happily, the champion soon recovered from his emotional outburst, and was able to enjoy his victory.

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

He also joked about that infamous murder - his close ally in an early episode - by reaching over the host in the final scene and touching her cheek.

"You've got something on your face," he said, with his trademark giggle.

The last few weeks of famous people scheming, plotting and sometimes unexpected moments may seem like a bizarre fantasy. Yet it actually occur. It will be remembered fondly.