Following weeks of suspense, schemes and backstabbing, Celebrity Traitors has reached a nail-biting finale

Spoiler alert - This piece discloses key moments from The Celebrity Traitors conclusion

Over the course of the show, audiences saw murders, double-crosses, serious side-eye, and an unforgettable incident that cut through all suspense.

Yet on Thursday night, the ultimate victor of the first Celebrity Traitors was revealed.

From nineteen participants, just a handful remained: Traitors and loyal players facing off for the winnings.

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

In the end, comedian Alan Carr was crowned the winner, in a shocking outcome that broke the internet and made him tearful.

"This has been destroying me, I'm so sorry," he exclaimed, revealing to the remaining faithfuls that he'd always been a traitor. "I feel terrible about this."

"You played amazingly," they comforted him. "Everything's fine."

Online platforms quickly erupted with the news. "The worst deceiver being the best traitor ever," commented a viewer.

"There could not have been a better conclusion," stated another, while someone else described it as "the TV moment of the year."

The organization he selected, Neuroblastoma UK, gets to keep all the prize money, with the total amount amounting to eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

Alan Carr's transformation from giggle liability to strategic player was among the most memorable aspects of the series.

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

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

On subsequent discussions, the other contestants summed up the reasons nobody had truly doubted him.

"Alan could have come down to breakfast in a green cloak and I wouldn't have believed he was deceiving us. His humor distracted me," a player said.

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

Carr said he had "absolutely loved" his time on the program.

"I'd like to participate once more... I doubt it would work again!"

The final episode was lengthened to 70 minutes on the network. It had an unusual opening than typical episodes, 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 we recapped some moments from every remaining player's time in the castle.

As ever, the comedian provided unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I began the competition a bit of a nervous wreck. I've betrayed some really good friends under the bus, I've eliminated beloved figures openly. Apparently I'm a better liar and player than I believed."

Meanwhile, another contestant noted that being in the final was "way more stressful than competing with a national team", while another said he was "completely amazed" to have lasted this long.

Early on of the finale, several players seemed to be attempting to become the fashion standout of the castle, taking over from an earlier departed style leader.

The winner appeared at the morning meal resembling a vintage television personality in patterned burgundy attire, before changing into a bejewelled white suit.

But he was outstyled by another contestant's burgundy formal wear. What a look.

Next up was the challenge, with the remaining contestants boarding a train named - of course - The Deceivers' Railway.

This task involved destroying images of former contestants. Spare a thought for one participant who managed to get hit in the head multiple times by the cover of a heavy wooden box.

Soon after, the moment arrived for the roundtable.

The deceivers did a pinky promise beforehand, pledging to support each other. "We've come a long way, I'm not going to throw him under a bus," stated a player, while their partner simply laughed.

And one adhered to their agreement. But, having slipped under the radar for the majority of the competition, the other still received the majority elimination votes.

The last deceiver looked like to be experiencing a world of pain to be the last traitor standing. "Being alone, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, a rudderless ship."

Online platforms and viewers were equally disappointed.

"I did NOT want this contestant to be eliminated. A truly loveable traitor," commented a commentator.

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

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

The final four stood over the fire pit. And the alliance broke down, precisely when it mattered the most, in a truly WTF moment.

A player was eliminated in dramatic fashion - following a surprising decision from their partner, who betrayed them.

"It hurts to be stabbed in the back at the final moment in that manner," said the eliminated player. Subsequently, we learned that when they message, the eliminated contestant calls their former ally by a betrayer's name.

Ultimately, just three players remained in the game: the final trio.

One player, appearing quite pleased, voted to end the competition. The same decision was made by a different player, and it all came down to the third, who made the identical choice - which meant that the deceiver was the winner.

For observers, the moment where remaining contestants comforted the champion was "compelling television". "I anticipate it could be in the running for outstanding scene at next year's awards," they said.

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

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

He also made light of the memorable elimination - his best friend during the initial stages - by leaning toward the host in the concluding moments and touching her cheek.

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

The last few weeks of celebrity gossiping, scheming and sometimes surprising incidents may feel like a bizarre fantasy. But it really did all happen. It will be remembered fondly.