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

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

Throughout the season, audiences saw murders, betrayals, intense glares, and a memorable moment that pierced the overwhelming suspense.

Yet on Thursday night, the final winner of the inaugural celebrity edition was revealed.

Out of 19 contestants, just a handful remained: Deceivers and faithfuls competing for the prize.

Soon, the field narrowed to just three: the final players.

Ultimately, funny man Alan Carr was crowned the champion, in a surprising result that broke the internet 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 comforted him. "Everything's fine."

Social media quickly erupted with this development. "Most awful traitor ever being the most effective player," commented one user.

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

The organization he selected, a cancer charity, will receive all the prize money, with the final pot reaching £87,500.

The comedian's evolution from comic relief to strategic player was among the most memorable aspects of the series.

However, his victory still shocked viewers surprised, according to entertainment reporters.

"The idea of Alan, of all people, executing an expert performance in deception felt about as likely as him keeping composure through his comedy routines."

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

"Alan could have come down to breakfast in a green cloak and I wouldn't have believed he was deceiving us. I was too busy laughing," a player said.

"Most people didn't target him because how does one vote for a person so loveable?" questioned another celebrity.

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

"I want to do it again... I don't think it would work a second time!"

The final installment was lengthened to 70 minutes on television. There was a different start than usual, as all the celebs were aware who'd make it at the morning gathering.

Viewers heard some very uplifting, and very un-Traitors-esque soundtrack, as we recapped some moments from every remaining player's experience in the game.

As ever, the comedian provided unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I started this game as something of an anxious mess. I've thrown close allies to save myself, I've murdered beloved figures openly. Apparently I'm more deceptive and player than I thought."

At the same time, a different player commented that being in the final was "way more stressful than competing with a national team", while another 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 new style icon of the castle, taking over from the previously eliminated style leader.

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

However, he got out-jacketted by another contestant's maroon velvet tuxedo. What a look.

Following this was the challenge, with the remaining contestants boarding a locomotive called - of course - The Traitors Express.

This task saw them destroying images of eliminated players. Spare a thought for a player who was hit in the head multiple times by the lid of a heavy wooden box.

Before long, it was time for the elimination discussion.

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

And one did stick to his promise. Yet, managing to stay unnoticed for most of the game, the other still got the most votes.

The last deceiver looked like 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 a loose cannon, a rudderless ship."

Online platforms and viewers were equally disappointed.

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

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

But there was no time to dwell on this departure. Soon, the game reached the final stage - this being what we were really all here for.

The last players stood over the ceremonial fire. Meanwhile, the partnership broke down, just when it was most crucial, in a truly WTF moment.

One contestant 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. Subsequently, it was revealed that if they ever communicate, the betrayed player refers to their former ally 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 competition. So did another, and it all came down to the third, who did the same - resulting in the traitor was the winner.

According to commentators, the scene where the other players comforted the winner was "beautiful TV". "I predict it could be in the running for outstanding scene at next year's awards," they said.

Fortunately, the champion quickly regained composure from his bout of tears, and was able to enjoy his victory.

"What a rollercoaster. I was awful at lying, I had no poker face and here I am a winner," the winner said.

He also joked about the memorable elimination - his best friend during the initial stages - by leaning toward the host in the final scene 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 unexpected moments may seem like one big crazy jumbled dream. Yet it actually occur. And we will miss it.