Following multiple episodes of suspense, schemes and sabotage, Celebrity Traitors has reached a nail-biting end

Warning: spoilers ahead - This article reveals key moments from The Celebrity Traitors conclusion

Throughout the season, audiences saw murders, betrayals, intense glares, and an unforgettable incident that cut through all tension.

Yet on the final evening, the ultimate victor of the first Celebrity Traitors emerged triumphant.

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

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

In the end, comedian Alan Carr emerged as the winner, in a surprising outcome that went viral and left him emotional.

"It's been tearing me apart, my apologies," he declared, revealing to the other players that he was actually a traitor. "I'm an awful human being."

"You did brilliantly," they comforted him. "It's all right."

Social media quickly erupted with this development. "The worst deceiver being the most effective player," commented one user.

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

His chosen charity, Neuroblastoma UK, will receive the entire winnings, with the total amount amounting to £87,500.

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

However, his victory still left the nation in shock, as noted by industry observers.

"The thought of him, among everyone, executing a masterclass in deceit felt just as probable as him keeping a straight face through one of his own punchlines."

During follow-up conversations, fellow players summed up the reasons nobody had truly doubted him.

"Alan could have appeared to the morning meal in traitor attire and I wouldn't have believed he was deceiving us. I was too busy laughing," one participant said.

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

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

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

Thursday evening's installment was extended to 70 minutes on television. There was an unusual opening than typical episodes, as every celebrity were aware who'd make it at the morning gathering.

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

True to form, Alan Carr provided unforgettable quotes.

"Let's face it, I began this game as something of an anxious mess. I've betrayed some really good friends under the bus, I've murdered beloved figures openly. Apparently I'm a better liar and traitor than I thought."

Meanwhile, a different player noted that being in the final 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, several players seemed to be attempting to become the fashion standout of the competition, taking over from the previously eliminated style leader.

The winner appeared at the morning meal looking like a vintage television personality in patterned burgundy attire, before changing into an embellished light-colored outfit.

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

Next up was the competition, with the final players boarding a train named - naturally - The Deceivers' Railway.

This task involved ripping up images of eliminated players. Have sympathy for a player who managed to get hit in the head THREE times by the lid of a substantial container.

Before long, the moment arrived for the elimination discussion.

Two traitors made a pact in advance, pledging to support each other. "We've come a long way, I'm not going to throw him under a bus," said one, while the other simply laughed.

And one did stick to his promise. But, managing to stay unnoticed for the majority of the competition, their partner still received the majority elimination votes.

The remaining traitor appeared to be experiencing significant distress to be the final deceiver remaining. "Now I'm on my own, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm unpredictable, a rudderless ship."

Social media and viewers were equally disappointed.

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

"Your legacy will remain in Traitors history," posted a different viewer.

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

The final four stood over the fire pit. And the alliance broke down, just when it was most crucial, in a truly WTF moment.

A player was eliminated in dramatic fashion - after a shock vote from their ally, who turned against them.

"This pains me to be stabbed in the back at the final moment like that," remarked the eliminated player. Subsequently, we learned that if they ever communicate, the eliminated contestant calls their former ally as a traitor.

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

A contestant, appearing quite pleased, chose to conclude the competition. The same decision was made by another, and it all came down to the final participant, who made the identical choice - which meant that the deceiver was the winner.

According to commentators, the scene where remaining contestants 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 winner quickly regained composure from his bout of tears, and could finally appreciate his victory.

"What a rollercoaster. I thought I was terrible at deception, I had no poker face and here I am a winner," the winner said.

He also made light of that infamous murder - his close ally during the initial stages - by reaching over the presenter in the final scene and making contact.

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

The last few weeks of famous people scheming, scheming and the occasional unexpected moments may seem like a bizarre fantasy. But it really did occur. And we will miss it.