After multiple episodes of suspense, schemes and sabotage, Celebrity Traitors concludes with a nail-biting end

Warning: spoilers ahead - This piece reveals key moments from Celebrity Traitors conclusion

Throughout the season, viewers witnessed murders, betrayals, serious side-eye, and a memorable moment that cut through all tension.

Yet on Thursday night, the ultimate victor of the first Celebrity Traitors emerged triumphant.

From nineteen participants, just a handful were left standing: Deceivers and faithfuls facing off for the prize.

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

In the end, funny man Alan Carr was crowned the winner, in a shocking outcome that broke the internet and made him tearful.

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

"You did brilliantly," they comforted him. "It's all right."

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 more iconic ending," wrote another, while someone else called it "the television highlight of the year."

His chosen charity, a cancer charity, gets to keep all the prize money, with the total amount reaching £87,500.

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

But his win still left the nation surprised, according to industry observers.

"The idea of Alan, of all people, pulling off a masterclass in deception felt about as likely as him keeping composure through one of his own punchlines."

During follow-up conversations, the other contestants summed up why no one had ever really suspected him.

"Alan could have appeared to the morning meal in a green cloak and I wouldn't have believed he was a traitor. His humor distracted me," a player said.

"Most people didn't vote for him because how can you eliminate a person so loveable?" questioned another celebrity.

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

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

The final installment was extended to 70 minutes on the network. It had a different start than typical episodes, as every celebrity were aware who'd make it at the breakfast table.

Viewers heard some very uplifting, and atypical for the show soundtrack, as we recapped key scenes from each of the finalists' experience in the game.

True to form, Alan Carr provided some of the most memorable lines.

"Let's face it, I began the competition a bit of an anxious mess. I've betrayed some really good friends under the bus, I've murdered national treasures openly. Apparently I'm more deceptive and traitor than I believed."

Meanwhile, a different player commented that reaching the conclusion was "way more stressful than playing for a national team", while someone else said he was "completely amazed" to have lasted this long.

In the beginning in the episode, various contestants appeared to be making a bid to become the fashion standout of the competition, taking over from the previously eliminated style leader.

The winner appeared at the morning meal looking like a vintage television personality in a checked maroon suit, later switching into a bejewelled white suit.

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

Next up was the challenge, with the remaining contestants boarding a train named - of course - The Traitors Express.

This task saw them destroying images of former contestants. Spare a thought for a player who managed to get hit in the head multiple times by the cover of a substantial container.

Before long, the moment arrived for the roundtable.

Two traitors did a pinky promise beforehand, pledging to stick together. "We've come a long way, I won't throw him under a bus," said one, while their partner just giggled.

And one did stick to their agreement. Yet, managing to stay under the radar for the majority of the competition, the other still received the majority elimination votes.

The remaining traitor appeared he was in significant distress to be the final deceiver remaining. "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 banished. An endearing deceiver," commented an observer.

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

However, there remained little opportunity to dwell on this departure. Soon, the game reached the final stage - which was the moment everyone anticipated.

The final four gathered around the fire pit. Meanwhile, the partnership collapsed, precisely when it was most crucial, in an absolutely shocking development.

A player was eliminated in dramatic fashion - after a shock vote from their partner, who turned against them.

"This pains me to be stabbed in the back last minute in that manner," said the eliminated player. Subsequently, we learned that if they ever communicate, the betrayed player refers to their former ally by a betrayer's name.

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

One player, looking incredibly smug, voted to end the game. So did a different player, and it all came down to the third, who made the identical choice - resulting in the deceiver emerged victorious.

For observers, the scene where the other players consoled the winner was "compelling television". "I predict it could be in the running for outstanding scene at next year's awards," they commented.

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

"What a rollercoaster. I was awful at lying, my expressions gave me away and now I stand a winner," he 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.

"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 a bizarre fantasy. But it really did all happen. It will be remembered fondly.