After weeks of tension, schemes and backstabbing, The Celebrity Traitors concludes with a thrilling end

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

Over the course of the show, audiences saw eliminations, double-crosses, intense glares, and a memorable moment that cut through all suspense.

However on the final evening, the ultimate victor of the first Celebrity Traitors was revealed.

From nineteen participants, just a handful remained: Traitors and faithfuls competing for the winnings.

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

Ultimately, comedian Alan Carr emerged as the champion, in a surprising outcome that went viral and made him tearful.

"It's been tearing me apart, my apologies," he exclaimed, admitting 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."

Social media immediately exploded with the news. "The worst deceiver being the best traitor ever," commented a viewer.

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

His chosen charity, Neuroblastoma UK, will receive all the prize money, with the final pot reaching £87,500.

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

But his win still shocked viewers surprised, according to entertainment reporters.

"The thought of him, among everyone, executing a masterclass in deception felt just as probable as him keeping composure through one of his own punchlines."

On subsequent discussions, fellow players explained why no one had truly doubted 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 does one vote for someone who is so loveable?" questioned a different contestant.

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

"I want to participate once more... I doubt it would work again!"

Thursday evening's installment was lengthened to 70 minutes on television. There was an unusual opening than usual, as every celebrity knew 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' time in the castle.

As ever, Alan Carr gave us unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I started this game a bit of an anxious mess. I've betrayed some really good friends to save myself, I've murdered national treasures openly. Apparently I'm a better liar and player than I believed."

Meanwhile, a different player commented that reaching the conclusion was "way more stressful than competing with a national team", while another said he was "completely amazed" to have made it so far.

Early on in the episode, several players appeared to be making a bid to become the new style icon of the competition, replacing an earlier departed style leader.

Carr emerged at the morning meal resembling a vintage television personality in patterned burgundy attire, later switching into a bejewelled white suit.

However, he got out-jacketted by a fellow player's burgundy formal wear. Impressive style.

Following this was the competition, with the final players getting on board a locomotive called - of course - The Deceivers' Railway.

The challenge saw them destroying images of former contestants. Have sympathy for a player who managed to get hit in the head multiple times by the lid of a heavy wooden box.

Soon after, it was time for the elimination discussion.

Two traitors did a pinky promise in advance, pledging to stick together. "We've come a long way, I'm not going to betray him," stated a player, while their partner just giggled.

However, one did stick to his promise. Yet, having slipped unnoticed for most of the game, their partner still received the majority elimination votes.

The remaining traitor appeared to be experiencing a world of pain to be the last traitor standing. "Now I'm on my own, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm unpredictable, without direction."

Online platforms and onlookers were equally disappointed.

"I did NOT want this contestant to be banished. A truly loveable traitor," said an observer.

"Your legacy will remain in the show's legacy," wrote a different viewer.

But there was little opportunity to dwell on this departure. Soon, they were at the endgame - which was the moment everyone anticipated.

The final four gathered around the ceremonial fire. Meanwhile, the partnership broke down, just when it was most crucial, in a truly WTF moment.

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

"It hurts to be stabbed in the back last minute like that," remarked the eliminated player. Later, it was revealed that if they ever communicate, the betrayed player refers to the other by a betrayer's name.

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

One player, looking incredibly smug, voted to end the competition. So did another, and everything depended on the final participant, who did the same - resulting in the traitor was the winner.

For observers, the moment where remaining contestants comforted the winner was "compelling television". "I anticipate it could be in the running for outstanding scene at television honors," they said.

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

"Such an emotional journey. I was awful at lying, my expressions gave me away and now I stand a winner," he said.

He also joked about that infamous murder - his close ally during the initial stages - by leaning toward the presenter in the concluding moments and making contact.

"There's something on your face," he said, with his characteristic laugh.

The recent episodes of celebrity gossiping, scheming and sometimes unexpected moments may feel like a bizarre fantasy. Yet it actually all happen. And we will miss it.