Following multiple episodes of tension, schemes and sabotage, Celebrity Traitors concludes with a thrilling end

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

Over the course of the show, viewers witnessed murders, betrayals, serious side-eye, and an unforgettable incident that cut through all tension.

However on the final evening, the ultimate victor of the first celebrity edition emerged triumphant.

From nineteen participants, just a handful were left standing: Traitors and faithfuls facing off for the winnings.

Soon, the competition tightened to only three contenders: the final players.

Ultimately, funny man Alan Carr emerged as the winner, 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 was actually one of the deceivers. "I feel terrible about this."

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

Online platforms immediately exploded with this development. "Most awful traitor ever being the best traitor ever," commented one user.

"It couldn't have been a better conclusion," wrote another, while a third called it "the TV moment of the year."

The organization he selected, a cancer charity, gets to keep all the prize money, with the total amount reaching eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

Alan Carr's transformation from giggle liability to strategic player was one of the standout highlights of the series.

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 a straight face through one of his own punchlines."

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

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

"The majority didn't target him because how does one vote for a person so loveable?" questioned a different contestant.

The winner stated he had "absolutely loved" his experience with the show.

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

Thursday evening's installment was extended to over an hour on television. It had a different start than typical episodes, as every celebrity were aware who would appear at the morning gathering.

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

True to form, the comedian gave us unforgettable quotes.

"Let's face it, I began the competition a bit of an anxious mess. I've thrown some really good friends under the bus, I've eliminated beloved figures in plain sight. I'm clearly a better liar and player than I believed."

At the same time, another contestant commented that being in the final was "significantly more pressure than playing for a national team", while someone else said he was "totally surprised" to have made it so far.

Early on in the episode, various contestants appeared to be making a bid to become the fashion standout of the castle, replacing an earlier departed fashionable contestant.

The winner appeared at breakfast looking like a vintage television personality in a checked maroon suit, later switching into a bejewelled white suit.

But he was out-jacketted 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 Traitors Express.

This task saw them ripping up portraits of eliminated players. Spare a thought for one participant who managed to get hit on the head multiple times by the lid of a substantial container.

Before long, it was time for the elimination discussion.

The deceivers made a pact in advance, pledging to support each other. "We've come a long way, I won't betray him," stated a player, while their partner simply laughed.

And one did stick to his promise. But, having slipped under the radar for the majority of the competition, their partner still received the majority elimination votes.

The last deceiver appeared he was in a world of pain to be the final deceiver remaining. "Being alone, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, a rudderless ship."

Social media and onlookers were similarly upset.

"I hoped against this contestant to be eliminated. A truly loveable traitor," said a commentator.

"You will forever be remembered in the show's legacy," posted a different viewer.

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

The final four stood over the fire pit. Meanwhile, the partnership 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 ally, who turned against them.

"This pains me to be betrayed at the final moment like that," remarked the ousted contestant. Subsequently, we learned that when they message, the eliminated contestant refers to the other by a betrayer's name.

Finally, only three contestants remained in the game: the final trio.

A contestant, looking incredibly smug, chose to conclude the game. The same decision was made by a different player, and everything depended on the third, who made the identical choice - resulting in the deceiver emerged victorious.

According to commentators, the moment where remaining contestants comforted the champion was "beautiful TV". "I anticipate it will be in the running for outstanding scene at television honors," they commented.

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

"What a rollercoaster. I was awful at lying, my expressions gave me away and now I stand the champion," the winner said.

And he even made light of that infamous murder - his best friend in an early episode - by leaning toward the host in the concluding moments and touching her cheek.

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

The recent episodes of famous people scheming, scheming and the occasional unexpected moments may seem like a bizarre fantasy. But it really did occur. It will be remembered fondly.