Following weeks of suspense, schemes and sabotage, Celebrity Traitors concludes with a nail-biting end

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

Throughout the season, audiences saw eliminations, double-crosses, serious side-eye, and an unforgettable incident that pierced all tension.

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

From 19 contestants, only five remained: Deceivers and loyal players facing off for the winnings.

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

Ultimately, funny man Alan Carr emerged as the champion, in a shocking result that went viral and left him emotional.

"It's been tearing me apart, my apologies," he exclaimed, revealing to the remaining faithfuls that he was actually one of the deceivers. "I'm an awful human being."

"You played amazingly," 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 better conclusion," stated another, while a third called it "the television highlight of the year."

His chosen charity, a cancer charity, will receive all the prize money, with the final pot reaching eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

Alan Carr's transformation from comic relief to cold-hearted killer was one of the standout highlights of the season.

However, his victory still shocked viewers in shock, as noted by entertainment reporters.

"The thought of him, among everyone, executing a masterclass in deception felt about as likely as him maintaining composure through one of his own punchlines."

On subsequent discussions, fellow players summed up why no one had ever really suspected him.

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

"The majority didn't vote for him because how can you vote for someone who is so loveable?" questioned a different contestant.

Carr said he had "thoroughly enjoyed" his experience with the show.

"I want to participate once more... I don't think it would work a second time!"

Thursday evening's episode was extended to 70 minutes on television. It had an unusual opening than usual, as all the celebs knew who would appear at the morning gathering.

There was some very uplifting, and atypical for the show soundtrack, as the episode revisited some moments from each of the finalists' experience in the game.

As ever, the comedian provided unforgettable quotes.

"Let's face it, I started the competition a bit of a nervous wreck. I've betrayed some really good friends to save myself, I've murdered national treasures in plain sight. Apparently I'm more deceptive and traitor than I believed."

Meanwhile, another contestant noted that reaching the conclusion was "way more stressful than competing with England", while another said he was "completely amazed" to have made it so far.

In the beginning of the finale, various contestants appeared to be making a bid to become the fashion standout of the competition, taking over from an earlier departed style leader.

Carr emerged at breakfast looking like a vintage television personality in a checked maroon suit, before changing into a bejewelled white suit.

However, he got outstyled by another contestant's maroon velvet tuxedo. Impressive style.

Following this was the challenge, with the remaining contestants boarding a train named - naturally - The Traitors Express.

This task involved destroying images of former contestants. Have sympathy for a player who was hit on the head THREE times by the lid of a substantial container.

Before long, it was time for the elimination discussion.

The deceivers did a pinky promise in advance, pledging to support each other. "We've progressed significantly, I'm not going to betray him," said a player, while the other simply laughed.

And one did stick to his promise. Yet, having slipped under the radar for the majority of the competition, the other still got the most votes.

The last deceiver looked like to be experiencing significant distress to be the final deceiver remaining. "Being alone, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm unpredictable, without direction."

Online platforms and viewers were equally disappointed.

"I hoped against this contestant to be banished. A truly loveable traitor," said a commentator.

"Your legacy will remain in Traitors history," wrote a different viewer.

But there was no time to focus on this departure. Soon, the game reached the final stage - which was what we were really all here for.

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

One contestant was eliminated in dramatic fashion - after a shock vote from their partner, who betrayed them.

"This pains me to be betrayed last minute in that manner," remarked the ousted contestant. Subsequently, we learned that when they message, the eliminated contestant refers to the other by a betrayer's name.

Ultimately, just three players 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 final participant, who did the same - resulting in the deceiver emerged victorious.

For observers, the scene where remaining contestants consoled the winner was "beautiful TV". "I predict it could be a contender for outstanding scene at television honors," they commented.

Happily, the champion quickly regained composure from his bout of tears, and could finally appreciate his victory.

"What a rollercoaster. I thought I was terrible at deception, my expressions gave me away and now I stand the champion," the winner said.

And he even made light of the memorable elimination - his best friend in an early episode - by reaching over the presenter in the concluding moments and touching her cheek.

"There's something on your face," he said, with his trademark giggle.

The recent episodes of famous people scheming, plotting and sometimes unexpected moments may seem like a bizarre fantasy. But it really did occur. It will be remembered fondly.