After multiple episodes of suspense, schemes and backstabbing, Celebrity Traitors concludes with a nail-biting end

Warning: spoilers ahead - This piece discloses key moments from The Celebrity Traitors conclusion

Throughout the season, viewers witnessed eliminations, betrayals, intense glares, and a memorable moment that cut through the overwhelming suspense.

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

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

Soon, the competition tightened to only three contenders: the remaining contestants.

In the end, comedian Alan Carr emerged as the champion, in a shocking result that went viral and left him emotional.

"This has been destroying me, my apologies," he declared, revealing to the remaining faithfuls that he'd always been a traitor. "I feel terrible about this."

"You did brilliantly," they consoled him. "Everything's fine."

Online platforms quickly erupted with this development. "The worst deceiver being the most effective player," commented a viewer.

"It couldn't have been a more iconic ending," stated another, while a third called it "the TV moment of the year."

The organization he selected, Neuroblastoma UK, gets to keep the entire winnings, with the final pot reaching £87,500.

The comedian's evolution from giggle liability to strategic player was one of the standout highlights of the season.

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

"The thought of him, of all people, executing a masterclass in deception felt about as likely as him keeping composure through his comedy routines."

On subsequent discussions, the other contestants explained why no one had truly doubted him.

"Alan could have appeared to the morning meal in a green cloak and I still wouldn't have thought he was deceiving us. I was too busy laughing," one participant said.

"The majority didn't target him because how does one eliminate someone who is so charming?" asked another celebrity.

Carr said he had "absolutely loved" his experience with the show.

"I want to participate once more... I don't think it would be successful again!"

The final episode was lengthened to 70 minutes on television. It had a different start than usual, as all the celebs knew who would appear at the breakfast table.

There was particularly inspiring, and atypical for the show music, as we recapped key scenes from each of the finalists' experience in the game.

True to form, Alan Carr provided unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I began this game a bit of a nervous wreck. I've thrown close allies to save myself, I've eliminated national treasures in plain sight. I'm clearly a better liar and traitor than I thought."

At the same time, a different player commented that reaching the conclusion was "significantly more pressure 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 attempting to become the new style icon of the competition, taking over from an earlier departed style leader.

Carr emerged at the morning meal looking like a vintage television personality in a checked maroon suit, before changing into an embellished light-colored outfit.

But he was out-jacketted by a fellow player's burgundy formal wear. Impressive style.

Following this was the challenge, with the remaining contestants getting on board a locomotive called - naturally - The Traitors Express.

This task involved destroying portraits of former contestants. Spare a thought for one participant who managed to get hit in the head THREE times by the lid of a substantial container.

Soon after, it was time for the elimination discussion.

Two traitors made a pact in advance, vowing to support each other. "We've progressed significantly, I won't betray him," said one, while their partner just giggled.

And one did stick to their agreement. But, having slipped unnoticed for most of the game, their partner still received the majority elimination votes.

The remaining traitor appeared he was in a world of pain to be the final deceiver remaining. "Now I'm on my own, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm unpredictable, a rudderless ship."

Online platforms and viewers were equally disappointed.

"I did NOT want that player to be banished. A truly loveable traitor," said a commentator.

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

However, there remained no time to dwell on their elimination. Before long, they were at the endgame - this being what we were really all here for.

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

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

"This pains me to be stabbed in the back at the final moment in that manner," said the ousted contestant. Later, we learned that when they message, the eliminated contestant refers to the other as a traitor.

Finally, just three players were still competing: the last participants.

One player, looking incredibly smug, 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 - resulting in the traitor was the winner.

According to commentators, the moment where remaining contestants comforted the winner was "compelling television". "I predict it will be in the running for memorable moment at next year's awards," they said.

Happily, the winner quickly regained composure from his bout of tears, and was able to enjoy the moment.

"Such an emotional journey. I was awful at lying, I had no poker face and now I stand the champion," he said.

He also made light of the memorable elimination - his best friend during the initial stages - 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 famous people scheming, plotting and the occasional surprising incidents may feel like a bizarre fantasy. But it really did all happen. It will be remembered fondly.