Following weeks of tension, plots and backstabbing, The Celebrity Traitors concludes with a nail-biting finale

Warning: spoilers ahead - This article 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 suspense.

Yet on Thursday night, the ultimate victor of the inaugural celebrity edition emerged triumphant.

From nineteen participants, only five remained: Deceivers and loyal players competing for the winnings.

Before long, the field narrowed to only three contenders: the remaining contestants.

Ultimately, comedian Alan Carr emerged as the winner, in a surprising result that broke the internet and made him tearful.

"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 consoled him. "Everything's fine."

Online platforms quickly erupted with this development. "Most awful traitor ever being the most effective player," commented a viewer.

"There could not have been a better conclusion," wrote a different person, while someone else called it "the TV moment of the year."

The organization he selected, Neuroblastoma UK, will receive the entire winnings, with the total amount reaching £87,500.

Alan Carr's transformation from comic relief to strategic player was one of the standout highlights of the series.

However, his victory still left the nation surprised, according to entertainment reporters.

"The idea of Alan, among everyone, pulling off an expert performance in deception felt about as likely as him maintaining a straight face through one of his own punchlines."

During follow-up conversations, the other contestants summed up why no one had truly doubted him.

"He might have appeared to the morning meal in traitor attire and I wouldn't have believed he was deceiving us. His humor distracted me," one participant said.

"Most people didn't target him because how does one vote for a person so loveable?" asked a different contestant.

The winner stated he had "absolutely loved" his experience with the program.

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

The final episode was extended to 70 minutes on television. There was an unusual opening than typical episodes, as all the celebs knew who would appear at the morning gathering.

Viewers heard some very uplifting, and very un-Traitors-esque music, as we recapped key scenes from every remaining player's experience in the game.

As ever, the comedian provided unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I began the competition as something of an anxious mess. I've thrown close allies under the bus, I've murdered beloved figures in plain sight. I'm clearly a better liar and traitor than I thought."

Meanwhile, another contestant commented that being in the final was "significantly more pressure than competing with a national team", while someone else said he was "totally surprised" to have lasted this long.

Early on in the episode, various contestants seemed to be making a bid to become the fashion standout of the castle, taking over from an earlier departed fashionable contestant.

The winner appeared at the morning meal looking like a vintage television personality in patterned burgundy attire, later switching into an embellished light-colored outfit.

However, he got out-jacketted by another contestant's burgundy formal wear. What a look.

Next up was the competition, with the remaining contestants boarding a locomotive called - naturally - The Deceivers' Railway.

The challenge saw them ripping up portraits of former contestants. Spare a thought for a player who managed to get hit in the head THREE times by the cover of a heavy wooden box.

Before long, it was time for the roundtable.

The deceivers made a pact beforehand, pledging to support each other. "We've come a long way, I'm not going to betray him," said one, while the other just giggled.

However, one adhered to their agreement. But, managing to stay under the radar for most of the game, their partner still got the most votes.

The remaining traitor appeared he was in a world of pain to be the final deceiver remaining. "Being alone, 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 an observer.

"Your legacy will remain in the show's legacy," wrote another user.

However, there remained little opportunity to dwell on this departure. Soon, they were at the final stage - this being what we were really all here for.

The last players gathered around the ceremonial fire. And the alliance collapsed, precisely when it was most crucial, in a truly WTF moment.

A player was painfully banished - after a shock vote from their partner, who turned against them.

"It hurts to be stabbed in the back at the final moment like that," said the eliminated player. Later, it was revealed that if they ever communicate, the eliminated contestant refers to the other as a traitor.

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

A contestant, appearing quite pleased, chose to conclude the competition. So did a different player, and it all came down to the final participant, who did the same - resulting in the deceiver emerged victorious.

For observers, the scene where remaining contestants comforted the champion was "compelling television". "I anticipate it could be a contender for memorable moment at television honors," they said.

Happily, the winner soon recovered from his bout of tears, and was able to enjoy his victory.

"Such an emotional journey. I thought I was terrible at deception, my expressions gave me away and now I stand the champion," the winner said.

He also joked about that infamous murder - his best friend in an early episode - by leaning toward the presenter in the final scene and making contact.

"You've got something on your face," he said, with his characteristic laugh.

The last few weeks of celebrity gossiping, scheming and the occasional surprising incidents may feel like one big crazy jumbled dream. Yet it actually all happen. It will be remembered fondly.