After multiple episodes of tension, schemes and sabotage, The Celebrity Traitors concludes with a nail-biting end

Spoiler alert - This article reveals key moments from Celebrity Traitors conclusion

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

However on Thursday night, the ultimate victor of the first celebrity edition emerged triumphant.

From nineteen participants, only five were left standing: Traitors and faithfuls competing for the prize.

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

Ultimately, comedian Alan Carr was crowned the winner, in a shocking result that broke the internet and made him tearful.

"It's been tearing me apart, my apologies," he exclaimed, admitting to the remaining faithfuls that he'd always been one of the deceivers. "I'm an awful human being."

"You played amazingly," they comforted him. "It's all right."

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

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

The organization he selected, Neuroblastoma UK, will receive the entire winnings, with the total amount amounting to £87,500.

The comedian's evolution from comic relief to strategic player was one of the standout highlights of the series.

But his win still left the nation surprised, according to industry observers.

"The thought of him, among everyone, pulling off a masterclass in deceit felt about as likely as him maintaining composure through one of his own punchlines."

On subsequent discussions, fellow players summed up the reasons nobody had ever really suspected him.

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

"Most people didn't vote for him because how can you vote for someone who is so charming?" questioned another celebrity.

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

"I'd like to do it again... I doubt it would work again!"

The final episode was lengthened to over an hour on the network. It had a different start than usual, as all the celebs knew who would appear at the breakfast table.

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

As ever, Alan Carr provided unforgettable quotes.

"Let's face it, I started this game as something of an anxious mess. I've thrown close allies under the bus, I've eliminated beloved figures openly. Apparently I'm more deceptive and player than I thought."

At the same time, another contestant commented that reaching the conclusion was "significantly more pressure than competing with a national team", while another said he was "completely amazed" to have lasted this long.

Early on in the episode, various contestants seemed to be attempting to become the fashion standout of the competition, replacing the previously eliminated style leader.

Carr emerged at the morning meal looking like a vintage television personality in a checked maroon suit, before changing into a bejewelled white suit.

But he was out-jacketted by a fellow player's maroon velvet tuxedo. Impressive style.

Following this was the challenge, with the final players boarding a locomotive called - naturally - The Traitors Express.

This task saw them destroying images of former contestants. Spare a thought for a player who managed to get hit in the head THREE times by the lid of a heavy wooden box.

Before long, 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 throw him under a bus," said a player, while the other just giggled.

And one did stick to his promise. But, having slipped under the radar for most of the game, the other still received the majority elimination votes.

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

Social media and onlookers were similarly upset.

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

"Your legacy will remain in the show's legacy," wrote a different viewer.

But there was little opportunity to focus on this departure. Before long, the game reached the final stage - this being the moment everyone anticipated.

The final four stood over the ceremonial fire. And the alliance collapsed, just when it was most crucial, in an absolutely shocking development.

One contestant was painfully banished - following a surprising decision from their partner, who betrayed them.

"It hurts to be betrayed last minute like that," remarked the ousted contestant. Later, it was revealed that when they message, the betrayed player calls the other by a betrayer's name.

Ultimately, only three contestants were still competing: the last participants.

A contestant, looking incredibly smug, voted to end the game. The same decision was made by another, and it all came down to the third, who did the same - which meant that the deceiver emerged victorious.

According to commentators, the scene where the other players consoled the winner was "compelling television". "I predict it will be in the running for memorable moment at television honors," they commented.

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

"Such an emotional journey. I thought I was terrible at deception, my expressions gave me away and now I stand a winner," he said.

And he even made light of that infamous murder - his close ally in an early episode - by reaching over the presenter in the concluding moments and touching her cheek.

"There's something on your face," he said, with his trademark giggle.

The last few weeks of famous people scheming, plotting and the occasional unexpected moments may seem like a bizarre fantasy. Yet it actually all happen. It will be remembered fondly.