Following weeks of tension, schemes and sabotage, Celebrity Traitors concludes with a thrilling finale

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

Over the course of the show, audiences saw eliminations, betrayals, intense glares, and a memorable moment that pierced the overwhelming tension.

However on Thursday night, the ultimate victor of the inaugural celebrity edition was revealed.

From 19 contestants, just a handful were left standing: Traitors and loyal players competing for the prize.

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

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

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

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

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

"There could not have been a more iconic ending," stated a different person, while a third described it as "the television highlight of the year."

The organization he selected, a cancer charity, gets to keep the entire winnings, 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 season.

But his win still shocked viewers surprised, as noted by entertainment reporters.

"The thought of him, among everyone, pulling off a masterclass in deceit felt just as probable as him keeping a straight face through his comedy routines."

On subsequent discussions, the other contestants explained the reasons nobody had ever really suspected him.

"Alan could have appeared to breakfast in traitor attire and I still wouldn't have thought he was deceiving us. His humor distracted me," a player said.

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

Carr said he had "thoroughly enjoyed" his experience with the program.

"I want to participate once more... I don't think it would be successful a second time!"

The final installment was extended to 70 minutes on the network. It had a different start than usual, as every celebrity knew who'd make it at the breakfast table.

Viewers heard some very uplifting, and atypical for the show music, as we recapped key scenes from each of the finalists' time in the castle.

As ever, the comedian gave us unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I began this game a bit of a nervous wreck. I've thrown some really good friends to save myself, I've murdered beloved figures openly. I'm clearly more deceptive and traitor than I believed."

At the same time, another contestant noted that being in the final was "way more stressful than competing with a national team", while someone else said he was "totally surprised" to have made it so far.

In the beginning in the episode, several players appeared to be attempting to become the fashion standout of the castle, replacing the previously eliminated style leader.

The winner appeared at the morning meal looking like a 1950s US chat show host in a checked maroon suit, before changing into a bejewelled white suit.

But he was outstyled by another contestant's burgundy formal wear. Impressive style.

Following this was the challenge, with the remaining contestants boarding a locomotive called - of course - The Deceivers' Railway.

This task involved destroying portraits of eliminated players. Have sympathy for one participant who managed to get hit in the head multiple times by the lid of a heavy wooden box.

Before long, the moment arrived for the elimination discussion.

Two traitors made a pact beforehand, vowing to stick together. "We've progressed significantly, I'm not going to betray him," stated one, while the other simply laughed.

And one adhered to their agreement. Yet, managing to stay under the radar for the majority of the competition, the other still received the majority elimination votes.

The remaining traitor appeared 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, without direction."

Online platforms and viewers were similarly upset.

"I did NOT want this contestant to be banished. An endearing deceiver," commented an observer.

"Your legacy will remain in the show's legacy," wrote another user.

However, there remained little opportunity to focus on their elimination. Before long, they were at the endgame - this being the moment everyone anticipated.

The final four stood over the fire pit. Meanwhile, the partnership collapsed, precisely when it was most crucial, in an absolutely shocking development.

A player was painfully banished - following a surprising decision from their partner, who turned against them.

"It hurts to be betrayed last minute like that," said the eliminated player. Subsequently, we learned that when they message, the eliminated contestant calls the other by a betrayer's name.

Finally, just three players were still competing: the final trio.

One player, 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 traitor was the winner.

According to commentators, the scene where remaining contestants comforted the winner was "compelling television". "I predict it could be a contender for outstanding scene at next year's awards," they commented.

Fortunately, the champion quickly regained composure from his emotional outburst, and was able to enjoy the moment.

"Such an emotional journey. I was awful at lying, my expressions gave me away and here I am the champion," he said.

He also joked about that infamous murder - his best friend during the initial stages - by leaning toward the presenter in the concluding moments and touching her cheek.

"There's something on your face," he said, with his characteristic laugh.

The recent episodes of famous people scheming, scheming and the occasional surprising incidents may feel like a bizarre fantasy. Yet it actually all happen. It will be remembered fondly.