Following weeks of tension, schemes and backstabbing, Celebrity Traitors has reached a nail-biting end

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

Over the course of the show, viewers witnessed eliminations, double-crosses, serious side-eye, and an unforgettable incident that cut through all suspense.

However on Thursday night, the final winner of the inaugural Celebrity Traitors emerged triumphant.

Out of 19 contestants, just a handful were left standing: Deceivers and faithfuls facing off for the winnings.

Soon, the competition tightened to just three: the remaining contestants.

In the end, funny man Alan Carr emerged as the champion, in a surprising result that broke the internet and left him emotional.

"This has been destroying me, my apologies," he exclaimed, admitting to the other players that he'd always been a traitor. "I feel terrible about this."

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

Social media immediately exploded with the news. "Most awful traitor ever being the most effective player," commented one user.

"It couldn't have been a more iconic ending," wrote a different person, while someone else described it as "the TV moment of the year."

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

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

However, his victory still shocked viewers surprised, according to industry observers.

"The thought of him, among everyone, pulling off a masterclass in deception felt about as likely as him keeping a straight face through one of his own punchlines."

During follow-up conversations, the other contestants summed up why no one had truly doubted him.

"He might have appeared to breakfast in a green cloak and I still wouldn't have thought he was deceiving us. I was too busy laughing," a player said.

"Most people didn't vote for him because how does one eliminate someone who is so charming?" questioned a different contestant.

The winner stated he had "thoroughly enjoyed" his experience with the program.

"I want to do it again... I doubt it would be successful a second time!"

The final episode was extended to over an hour on television. There was an unusual opening than usual, as every celebrity knew who'd make it at the breakfast table.

There was particularly inspiring, and very un-Traitors-esque soundtrack, as we recapped key scenes from every remaining player's time in the castle.

True to form, the comedian gave us unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I started this game as something of an anxious mess. I've thrown some really good friends under the bus, I've murdered beloved figures in plain sight. I'm clearly more deceptive and player than I thought."

Meanwhile, another contestant commented that reaching the conclusion was "way more stressful than competing with England", while someone else said he was "totally surprised" to have lasted this long.

In the beginning of the finale, various contestants seemed to be attempting to become the fashion standout of the competition, taking over from the previously eliminated style leader.

The winner appeared at breakfast resembling a vintage television personality in patterned burgundy attire, later switching into a bejewelled white suit.

But he was out-jacketted by another contestant's maroon velvet tuxedo. What a look.

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

This task involved destroying portraits of former contestants. Have sympathy for one participant who was hit on the head THREE times by the cover of a substantial container.

Before long, it was time for the elimination discussion.

The deceivers did a pinky promise beforehand, pledging to stick together. "We've progressed significantly, I won't betray him," stated one, while their partner just giggled.

And one did stick to their agreement. Yet, having slipped under the radar for most of the game, the other still received the majority elimination votes.

The last deceiver appeared 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, without direction."

Social media and viewers were similarly upset.

"I did NOT want that player to be eliminated. An endearing deceiver," commented a commentator.

"You will forever be remembered in Traitors history," wrote a different viewer.

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

The last players stood over the fire pit. And the alliance collapsed, just when it mattered the most, in an absolutely shocking development.

A player was painfully banished - after a shock vote from their partner, who betrayed them.

"It hurts to be betrayed last minute in that manner," remarked the ousted contestant. Subsequently, it was revealed that when they message, the betrayed player refers to the other as a traitor.

Finally, only three contestants were still competing: the final trio.

One player, appearing quite pleased, voted to end the game. So did another, and everything depended on the third, who made the identical choice - which meant that the traitor emerged victorious.

For observers, the moment where the other players consoled the champion was "beautiful TV". "I predict it could be in the running for memorable moment at next year's awards," they said.

Happily, the champion quickly regained composure 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 a winner," the winner said.

He also joked about the memorable elimination - his best friend in an early episode - by leaning toward the presenter in the final scene and touching her cheek.

"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 unexpected moments may feel like a bizarre fantasy. Yet it actually occur. It will be remembered fondly.