After weeks of tension, schemes and sabotage, The Celebrity Traitors concludes with a nail-biting finale

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

Throughout the season, audiences saw eliminations, betrayals, intense glares, and an unforgettable incident that pierced the overwhelming suspense.

Yet on Thursday night, the final winner of the first Celebrity Traitors emerged triumphant.

From 19 contestants, just a handful remained: Deceivers and loyal players facing off for the winnings.

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

In the end, funny man Alan Carr was crowned the champion, in a surprising outcome that went viral and left him emotional.

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

"You played amazingly," they comforted him. "It's all right."

Social media quickly erupted with the news. "The worst deceiver being the most effective player," commented a viewer.

"There could not have been a more iconic ending," stated a different person, while a third 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.

The comedian's evolution from giggle liability to cold-hearted killer was one of the standout highlights of the season.

But his win still shocked viewers in shock, as noted by entertainment reporters.

"The idea of Alan, of all people, pulling off an expert performance in deception felt just as probable as him maintaining a straight face through his comedy routines."

During follow-up conversations, fellow players summed up the reasons nobody had ever really suspected him.

"He might have come down to breakfast in a green cloak and I wouldn't have believed he was a traitor. His humor distracted me," one participant said.

"The majority didn't target him because how can you eliminate someone who is so loveable?" asked a different contestant.

Carr said he had "thoroughly enjoyed" his time on the show.

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

Thursday evening's installment was lengthened to over an hour on television. There was a different start than usual, as all the celebs were aware who'd make it at the breakfast table.

Viewers heard particularly inspiring, and atypical for the show soundtrack, as the episode revisited some moments from every remaining player's experience in the game.

As ever, Alan Carr gave us some of the most memorable lines.

"Let's face it, I began the competition as something of an anxious mess. I've betrayed some really good friends to save myself, I've eliminated national treasures openly. Apparently I'm a better liar and traitor than I thought."

Meanwhile, a different player commented that being in the final was "way more stressful than playing for a national team", while another said he was "completely amazed" to have made it so far.

Early on of the finale, various contestants seemed to be attempting to become the fashion standout of the castle, replacing an earlier departed style leader.

The winner appeared at the morning meal looking like a 1950s US chat show host in a checked maroon suit, before changing into a bejewelled white suit.

But he was outstyled by a fellow player's maroon velvet tuxedo. What a look.

Following this was the competition, with the final players boarding a locomotive called - naturally - The Traitors Express.

The challenge involved ripping up portraits of former contestants. Spare a thought for one participant who managed to get hit on the head THREE times by the lid of a heavy wooden box.

Soon after, it was time for the roundtable.

The deceivers made a pact in advance, pledging to support each other. "We've come a long way, I won't betray him," said one, while the other just giggled.

However, one did stick to their agreement. Yet, having slipped unnoticed for most of the game, the other still got the most votes.

The last deceiver looked like he was in significant distress to be the last traitor standing. "Being alone, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm unpredictable, without direction."

Online platforms and viewers were equally disappointed.

"I hoped against that player to be banished. An endearing deceiver," commented an observer.

"You will forever be remembered in Traitors history," posted another user.

However, there remained no time to dwell on this departure. Soon, they were at the endgame - this being the moment everyone anticipated.

The final four gathered around the ceremonial fire. And the alliance collapsed, precisely when it was most crucial, in an absolutely shocking development.

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

"This pains me to be stabbed in the back at the final moment in that manner," said the eliminated player. Subsequently, it was revealed that if they ever communicate, the betrayed player calls the other as a traitor.

Ultimately, only three contestants remained in the game: the last participants.

A contestant, appearing quite pleased, voted to end the game. So did another, and it all came down to the third, who made the identical choice - which meant that the deceiver emerged victorious.

For observers, the moment where the other players consoled the winner was "beautiful TV". "I anticipate it could be a contender for memorable moment at television honors," they said.

Happily, the winner 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 here I am the champion," he said.

He also made light of that infamous murder - his best friend during the initial stages - by reaching over the host in the final scene and making contact.

"You've got something on your face," he said, with his trademark giggle.

The last few weeks of celebrity gossiping, scheming and the occasional surprising incidents may feel like one big crazy jumbled dream. But it really did all happen. And we will miss it.