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

Warning: spoilers ahead - This piece discloses details from The Celebrity Traitors finale

Over the course of the show, audiences saw murders, double-crosses, serious side-eye, and a memorable moment that cut through the overwhelming suspense.

However on Thursday night, the final winner of the inaugural Celebrity Traitors emerged triumphant.

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

Before long, the competition tightened to only three contenders: the remaining contestants.

Ultimately, funny man Alan Carr was crowned the winner, in a shocking outcome that went viral and left him emotional.

"This has been destroying me, my apologies," he declared, revealing to the other players that he was actually a traitor. "I feel terrible about this."

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

Social media quickly erupted with the news. "Most awful traitor ever being the best traitor ever," wrote a viewer.

"It couldn't have been a better conclusion," stated another, while a third called it "the television highlight of the year."

His chosen charity, Neuroblastoma UK, will receive all the prize money, with the total amount 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 in shock, according to industry observers.

"The idea of Alan, among everyone, executing a masterclass in deceit felt about as likely 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 wouldn't have believed he was a traitor. I was too busy laughing," one participant said.

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

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

"I'd like to participate once more... I don't think it would work a second time!"

Thursday evening's installment was lengthened to 70 minutes on television. There was a different start than typical episodes, as all the celebs knew who would appear at the breakfast table.

Viewers heard particularly inspiring, and very un-Traitors-esque music, as the episode revisited some moments from every remaining player's time in the castle.

True to form, Alan Carr gave us some of the most memorable lines.

"To be honest, I began this game a bit of a nervous wreck. I've thrown some really good friends under the bus, I've murdered national treasures openly. Apparently I'm a better liar and traitor than I believed."

Meanwhile, a different player noted that reaching the conclusion was "way more stressful than competing with a national team", while another said he was "completely amazed" to have made it so far.

Early on in the episode, several players appeared to be making a bid to become the fashion standout of the castle, taking over from an earlier departed style leader.

Carr emerged at breakfast resembling a vintage television personality in patterned burgundy attire, later switching into a bejewelled white suit.

However, he got out-jacketted by a fellow player's burgundy formal wear. Impressive style.

Following this was the challenge, with the remaining contestants getting on board a train named - naturally - The Traitors Express.

The challenge saw them destroying images of former contestants. Spare a thought for one participant who was hit in the head THREE times by the lid of a substantial container.

Soon after, it was time for the roundtable.

The deceivers did a pinky promise in advance, pledging to stick together. "We've progressed significantly, I won't betray him," stated a player, while the other just giggled.

And one adhered to their agreement. But, having slipped under the radar for the majority of the competition, their partner still received the majority elimination votes.

The remaining traitor appeared to be experiencing a world of pain to be the final deceiver remaining. "Being alone, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, without direction."

Online platforms and onlookers were similarly upset.

"I did NOT want that player to be banished. A truly loveable traitor," commented a commentator.

"Your legacy will remain in Traitors history," posted another user.

But there was no time to focus on their elimination. Before long, they were at the final stage - this being the moment everyone anticipated.

The last players gathered around the fire pit. And the alliance broke down, precisely when it mattered the most, in a truly WTF moment.

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

"It hurts to be stabbed in the back last minute like that," remarked the ousted contestant. Later, we learned that when they message, the betrayed player calls the other as a traitor.

Ultimately, just three players remained in the game: the final trio.

One player, 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 - resulting in the traitor emerged victorious.

According to commentators, the scene where the other players comforted the champion was "beautiful TV". "I predict it will be a contender for outstanding scene at next year's awards," they said.

Happily, the champion soon recovered from his emotional outburst, and was able to enjoy his victory.

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

He also made light of that infamous murder - his close ally in an early episode - by leaning toward the host in the final scene and touching her cheek.

"You've got something on your face," he said, with his characteristic laugh.

The recent episodes of famous people scheming, scheming and the occasional unexpected moments may seem like one big crazy jumbled dream. But it really did all happen. It will be remembered fondly.