Following weeks of suspense, schemes and backstabbing, The Celebrity Traitors concludes with a thrilling end

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

Throughout the season, audiences saw murders, betrayals, serious side-eye, and an unforgettable incident that cut through all suspense.

However on Thursday night, the ultimate victor of the first celebrity edition was revealed.

Out of nineteen participants, only five remained: Deceivers and faithfuls facing off for the winnings.

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

In the end, funny man Alan Carr emerged as the champion, in a surprising outcome that broke the internet and left him emotional.

"This has been destroying me, my apologies," he exclaimed, admitting to the remaining faithfuls that he'd always been one of the deceivers. "I feel terrible about this."

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

Online platforms immediately exploded with the news. "Most awful traitor ever being the best traitor ever," wrote one user.

"There could not have been a more iconic ending," stated a different person, while someone else described it as "the television highlight of the year."

His chosen charity, Neuroblastoma UK, will receive the entire winnings, with the final pot amounting to £87,500.

The comedian's evolution from giggle liability to cold-hearted killer was among the most memorable aspects of the season.

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

"The thought of him, of all people, 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 summed up why no one had ever really suspected him.

"He might have appeared to breakfast in traitor attire and I still wouldn't have thought he was a traitor. I was too busy laughing," one participant said.

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

The winner stated he had "absolutely loved" his time on the show.

"I want to do it again... I doubt it would work again!"

Thursday evening's installment was lengthened to over an hour on the network. There was an unusual opening than typical episodes, as every celebrity were aware who would appear at the morning gathering.

There was particularly inspiring, and very un-Traitors-esque soundtrack, as the episode revisited key scenes from each of the finalists' experience in the game.

True to form, the comedian provided unforgettable quotes.

"Let's face it, I began the competition as something of an anxious mess. I've thrown some really good friends to save myself, I've murdered national treasures openly. I'm clearly a better liar and player than I believed."

At the same time, another contestant noted that reaching the conclusion was "significantly more pressure than competing with a national team", while another said he was "totally surprised" to have lasted this long.

In the beginning of the finale, several players appeared to be attempting to become the fashion standout of the castle, replacing the previously eliminated fashionable contestant.

The winner appeared at breakfast resembling a vintage television personality in patterned burgundy attire, later switching into a bejewelled white suit.

But he was outstyled by a fellow player's maroon velvet tuxedo. Impressive style.

Following this was the challenge, with the remaining contestants getting on board a locomotive called - of course - The Deceivers' Railway.

The challenge saw them ripping up images of former contestants. Spare a thought for one participant who was hit on the head multiple times by the lid of a heavy wooden box.

Before long, the moment arrived for the roundtable.

Two traitors did a pinky promise beforehand, pledging to stick together. "We've progressed significantly, I won't betray him," stated one, while the other just giggled.

However, one did stick to his promise. Yet, managing to stay unnoticed for most of the game, the other still received the majority elimination votes.

The remaining traitor appeared to be experiencing significant distress to be the last traitor standing. "Being alone, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm unpredictable, a rudderless ship."

Online platforms and onlookers were similarly upset.

"I hoped against 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 no time to focus on this departure. Soon, they were at the endgame - this being what we were really all here for.

The last players stood over the ceremonial fire. Meanwhile, the partnership broke down, precisely when it was most crucial, in a truly WTF moment.

A player was painfully banished - following a surprising decision from their partner, who betrayed them.

"This pains me to be stabbed in the back last minute in that manner," remarked the eliminated player. Later, it was revealed that if they ever communicate, the eliminated contestant refers to the other by a betrayer's name.

Ultimately, only three contestants were still competing: the last participants.

One player, looking incredibly smug, chose to conclude the game. The same decision was made by another, and everything depended on the third, who made the identical choice - resulting in the deceiver was the winner.

For observers, the scene where the other players consoled the champion was "compelling television". "I predict it could be a contender for memorable moment at next year's awards," they commented.

Fortunately, the winner soon recovered from his bout of tears, and could finally appreciate the moment.

"Such an emotional journey. I was awful at lying, I had no poker face and here I am the champion," he said.

He also made light of that infamous murder - his best friend in an early episode - by reaching over 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, plotting and the occasional unexpected moments may seem like one big crazy jumbled dream. Yet it actually all happen. It will be remembered fondly.