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

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

Over the course of the show, viewers witnessed eliminations, double-crosses, serious side-eye, and an unforgettable incident that pierced the overwhelming tension.

However on Thursday night, the ultimate victor of the inaugural Celebrity Traitors emerged triumphant.

Out of 19 contestants, only five remained: Traitors and faithfuls competing for the winnings.

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

Ultimately, funny man Alan Carr emerged as the winner, in a surprising outcome that broke the internet and left him emotional.

"It's been tearing me apart, I'm so sorry," he declared, revealing to the remaining faithfuls that he was actually one of the deceivers. "I feel terrible about this."

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

Social media quickly erupted with the news. "The worst deceiver being the best traitor ever," commented a viewer.

"It couldn't have been a better conclusion," stated a different person, while someone else called it "the television highlight of the year."

His chosen charity, a cancer charity, gets to keep 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 season.

But his win still shocked viewers in shock, as noted by industry observers.

"The thought of him, among everyone, pulling off a masterclass in deception felt about as likely as him keeping a straight face through his comedy routines."

During follow-up conversations, the other contestants explained why no one had ever really suspected him.

"He might have come down to breakfast in traitor attire and I wouldn't have believed he was a traitor. His humor distracted me," a player said.

"The majority didn't target him because how can you eliminate someone who is so charming?" questioned a different contestant.

The winner stated he had "absolutely loved" his time on the program.

"I'd like to do it again... I don't think it would be successful again!"

Thursday evening's installment was extended to over an hour on television. There was a different start than usual, as all the celebs were aware who would appear at the morning gathering.

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

As ever, the comedian gave us some of the most memorable lines.

"Let's face it, I started the competition as something of an anxious mess. I've thrown close allies to save myself, I've eliminated national treasures in plain sight. I'm clearly more deceptive and traitor than I thought."

Meanwhile, a different player noted that being in the final was "way more stressful than competing with England", while someone else said he was "totally surprised" to have made it so far.

Early on in the episode, various contestants appeared to be attempting to become the new style icon of the castle, replacing an earlier departed style leader.

Carr emerged at breakfast resembling a 1950s US chat show host in a checked maroon suit, later switching into a bejewelled white suit.

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

Following this was the competition, with the final players getting on board a train named - naturally - The Traitors Express.

This task saw them destroying portraits of former contestants. Spare a thought for one participant who managed to get hit in the head multiple times by the cover of a heavy wooden box.

Soon after, the moment arrived for the elimination discussion.

Two traitors made a pact beforehand, vowing to support each other. "We've progressed significantly, I won't betray him," stated a player, while the other simply laughed.

And one did stick to their agreement. Yet, having slipped unnoticed for most of the game, the other still got the most votes.

The remaining traitor looked like he was in significant distress to be the final deceiver remaining. "Being alone, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm unpredictable, a rudderless ship."

Online platforms and onlookers were equally disappointed.

"I hoped against that player to be banished. A truly loveable traitor," said an observer.

"You will forever be remembered in Traitors history," posted another user.

However, there remained little opportunity to dwell on their elimination. Before long, the game reached the endgame - this being the moment everyone anticipated.

The final four gathered around the fire pit. And the alliance collapsed, just when it was most crucial, in an absolutely shocking development.

One contestant was eliminated in dramatic fashion - after a shock vote from their partner, who turned against them.

"It hurts to be stabbed in the back last minute in that manner," said the eliminated player. Later, it was revealed that when they message, the eliminated contestant refers to the other by a betrayer's name.

Ultimately, just three players were still competing: the last participants.

A contestant, looking incredibly smug, chose to conclude the game. The same decision was made by another, and it all came down to the final participant, who did the same - resulting in the traitor was the winner.

For observers, the moment where remaining contestants comforted the winner was "beautiful TV". "I predict it will be in the running for outstanding scene at television honors," they commented.

Fortunately, the winner quickly regained composure from his bout of tears, and could finally appreciate his victory.

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

And he even made light of the memorable elimination - his best friend in an early episode - by leaning toward the host in the concluding moments and making contact.

"There's 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 feel like one big crazy jumbled dream. Yet it actually occur. It will be remembered fondly.