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

Spoiler alert - This article reveals key moments from The Celebrity Traitors conclusion

Throughout the season, audiences saw eliminations, betrayals, serious side-eye, and a memorable moment that pierced the overwhelming suspense.

However on Thursday night, the final winner of the first celebrity edition emerged triumphant.

Out of 19 contestants, only five remained: Traitors and loyal players facing off for the winnings.

Before long, the competition tightened to just three: the final players.

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

"It's been tearing me apart, I'm so sorry," he exclaimed, revealing to the remaining faithfuls that he was actually one of the deceivers. "I feel terrible about this."

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

Social media immediately exploded with the news. "The worst deceiver being the most effective player," commented one user.

"There could not have been a more iconic ending," stated another, while someone else called it "the TV moment of the year."

His chosen charity, Neuroblastoma UK, gets to keep the entire winnings, with the final pot reaching eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

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

But his win still shocked viewers surprised, according to industry observers.

"The thought of him, of all people, executing a masterclass in deceit felt about as likely as him maintaining composure through one of his own punchlines."

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

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

"Most people didn't target him because how can you vote for someone who is so loveable?" asked a different contestant.

The winner stated he had "thoroughly enjoyed" his experience with the program.

"I want to do it again... I doubt it would be successful a second time!"

Thursday evening's installment was lengthened to 70 minutes on the network. It had an unusual opening than usual, as every celebrity knew who'd make it at the morning gathering.

Viewers heard particularly inspiring, and very un-Traitors-esque music, as the episode revisited key scenes from every remaining player's 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 under the bus, I've murdered national treasures in plain sight. Apparently I'm more deceptive and player than I believed."

Meanwhile, another contestant commented that reaching the conclusion was "significantly more pressure than playing for England", while someone else said he was "totally surprised" to have lasted this long.

In the beginning of the finale, several players appeared to be making a bid to become the new style icon of the castle, taking over from the previously eliminated fashionable contestant.

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

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

Next up was the challenge, with the final players getting on board a train named - of course - The Traitors Express.

This task involved destroying images of eliminated players. Spare a thought for one participant who was hit on 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 beforehand, vowing to support each other. "We've come a long way, I'm not going to betray him," said a player, while the other simply laughed.

However, one did stick to their agreement. Yet, managing to stay unnoticed for most of the game, their partner still received the majority elimination votes.

The remaining traitor 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 hoped against this contestant to be banished. An endearing deceiver," commented a commentator.

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

But there was no time to dwell on their elimination. Soon, they were at the endgame - which was the moment everyone anticipated.

The final four gathered around the ceremonial fire. And the alliance broke down, just when it was most crucial, in a truly WTF moment.

One contestant was painfully banished - following a surprising decision from their ally, who turned against them.

"It hurts to be betrayed last minute in that manner," remarked the eliminated player. Later, it was revealed that if they ever communicate, the betrayed player calls their former ally by a betrayer's name.

Ultimately, only three contestants remained in the game: the final trio.

A contestant, looking incredibly smug, chose to conclude the competition. So did a different player, and it all came down to the third, who did the same - resulting in the traitor was the winner.

According to commentators, the moment where the other players comforted the champion was "beautiful TV". "I predict it will be a contender for memorable moment at television honors," they said.

Happily, the champion soon recovered from his emotional outburst, and could finally appreciate the moment.

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

And he even joked about the memorable elimination - his best friend during the initial stages - by reaching over the presenter in the final scene and making contact.

"There's something on your face," he said, with his characteristic laugh.

The last few weeks of celebrity gossiping, scheming and the occasional surprising incidents may seem like one big crazy jumbled dream. Yet it actually occur. And we will miss it.