Following weeks of suspense, schemes and sabotage, Celebrity Traitors has reached a thrilling finale

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

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

Yet on the final evening, the final winner of the first celebrity edition was revealed.

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

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

Ultimately, comedian Alan Carr emerged as the champion, in a surprising result that broke the internet and left him emotional.

"It's been tearing me apart, I'm so sorry," he exclaimed, admitting to the other players that he'd always been a traitor. "I'm an awful human being."

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

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

"It couldn't have been a better conclusion," stated a different person, while someone else described it as "the TV moment of the year."

The organization he selected, a cancer charity, gets to keep all the prize money, with the final pot amounting to £87,500.

Alan Carr's transformation from giggle liability to strategic player was among the most memorable aspects of the series.

However, his victory still left the nation surprised, as noted by entertainment reporters.

"The idea of Alan, of all people, executing a masterclass in deception felt about as likely as him maintaining composure through his comedy routines."

During follow-up conversations, the other contestants summed up why no one had truly doubted him.

"Alan could have come down to breakfast in a green cloak and I still wouldn't have thought he was deceiving us. I was too busy laughing," 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 "absolutely loved" his experience with the program.

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

Thursday evening's episode was extended to 70 minutes on the network. It had a different start than typical episodes, as every celebrity knew who'd make it at the breakfast table.

Viewers heard some very uplifting, and very un-Traitors-esque soundtrack, as we recapped some moments from each of the finalists' experience in the game.

As ever, Alan Carr provided unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I began this game as something of an anxious mess. I've betrayed close allies to save myself, I've murdered beloved figures in plain sight. Apparently I'm a better liar and player than I believed."

At the same time, another contestant noted that being in the final was "way more stressful than playing for a national team", while another said he was "completely amazed" to have lasted this long.

In the beginning of the finale, various contestants appeared to be attempting to become the new style icon of the castle, replacing an earlier departed style leader.

The winner appeared at breakfast looking like a vintage television personality in a checked maroon suit, before changing into a bejewelled white suit.

However, he got outstyled by a fellow player's maroon velvet tuxedo. Impressive style.

Following this was the competition, with the final players boarding a locomotive called - of course - The Traitors Express.

The challenge involved ripping up images of eliminated players. Spare a thought for one participant who managed to get hit in the head multiple times by the lid of a substantial container.

Soon after, the moment arrived for the roundtable.

The deceivers did a pinky promise beforehand, vowing to stick together. "We've progressed significantly, I'm not going to throw him under a bus," said a player, while their partner simply laughed.

However, one did stick to his promise. But, managing to stay unnoticed for most of the game, their partner still got the most 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 unpredictable, a rudderless ship."

Online platforms and viewers were similarly upset.

"I hoped against that player to be banished. 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 their elimination. Soon, they were at the endgame - which was what we were really all here for.

The final four gathered around the fire pit. Meanwhile, the partnership collapsed, just when it mattered the most, in an absolutely shocking development.

One contestant was eliminated in dramatic fashion - following a surprising decision from their ally, who turned against them.

"It hurts to be stabbed in the back at the final moment like that," said the eliminated player. Subsequently, we learned that when they message, the eliminated contestant calls their former ally by a betrayer's name.

Finally, only three contestants were still competing: the final trio.

A contestant, appearing quite pleased, voted to end the competition. The same decision was made by another, and everything depended on the final participant, who made the identical choice - resulting in the deceiver was the winner.

According to commentators, the moment where the other players comforted the winner was "beautiful TV". "I predict it could be in the running for outstanding scene at next year's awards," they commented.

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

"What a rollercoaster. I thought I was terrible at deception, my expressions gave me away and now I stand the champion," he said.

He also made light of that infamous murder - his best friend in an early episode - by reaching over the presenter in the concluding moments and touching her cheek.

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

The recent episodes of celebrity gossiping, scheming and the occasional unexpected moments may seem like a bizarre fantasy. Yet it actually all happen. It will be remembered fondly.