After weeks of tension, schemes and sabotage, The Celebrity Traitors has reached a nail-biting finale

Spoiler alert - This article discloses key moments from The Celebrity Traitors conclusion

Throughout the season, viewers witnessed murders, betrayals, serious side-eye, and a memorable moment that cut through all suspense.

Yet on the final evening, the final winner of the inaugural celebrity edition emerged triumphant.

Out of nineteen participants, just a handful were left standing: Traitors and loyal players facing off for the prize.

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

In the end, comedian Alan Carr emerged as the champion, in a surprising result that went viral and made him tearful.

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

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

Social media immediately exploded with the news. "The worst deceiver being the most effective player," wrote a viewer.

"There could not have been a better conclusion," stated a different person, while someone else described it as "the TV moment of the year."

His chosen charity, a cancer charity, gets to keep the entire winnings, with the final pot amounting to eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

The comedian's evolution from giggle liability to strategic player was one of the standout highlights of the season.

However, his victory still shocked viewers surprised, as noted by entertainment reporters.

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

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

"Alan could have come down to the morning meal 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 does one vote for a person so charming?" questioned another celebrity.

Carr said he had "absolutely loved" his time on the show.

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

Thursday evening's episode was lengthened to over an hour on television. There was an unusual opening than typical episodes, as all the celebs were aware who would appear at the morning gathering.

Viewers heard particularly inspiring, and atypical for the show music, as we recapped key scenes from every remaining player's time in the castle.

As ever, the comedian provided unforgettable quotes.

"Let's face it, I began this game a bit of a nervous wreck. I've betrayed close allies under the bus, I've eliminated national treasures in plain sight. I'm clearly a better liar and traitor than I believed."

At the same time, another contestant commented that reaching the conclusion was "significantly more pressure than competing with England", while someone else said he was "totally surprised" to have made it so far.

In the beginning of the finale, several players seemed to be attempting to become the new style icon of the castle, taking over from an earlier departed fashionable contestant.

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

But he was out-jacketted by another contestant's maroon velvet tuxedo. Impressive style.

Following this was the competition, with the remaining contestants getting on board a train named - of course - The Traitors Express.

This task saw them ripping up images of eliminated players. Have sympathy 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 roundtable.

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

However, one did stick to his promise. But, having slipped under the radar for most of the game, 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. "Now I'm on my own, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm unpredictable, without direction."

Social media and viewers were similarly upset.

"I hoped against this contestant to be banished. A truly loveable traitor," said a commentator.

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

But there was no time to focus on their elimination. Soon, they were at the endgame - which was what we were really all here for.

The last players stood over the ceremonial fire. And the alliance broke down, precisely when it mattered the most, in an absolutely shocking development.

One contestant was painfully banished - after a shock vote from their partner, who betrayed them.

"It hurts to be stabbed in the back last minute in that manner," said the ousted contestant. Subsequently, it was revealed that if they ever communicate, the eliminated contestant refers to the other by a betrayer's name.

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

One player, looking incredibly smug, chose to conclude the game. So did another, and everything depended on the final participant, who made the identical choice - which meant that the deceiver emerged victorious.

According to commentators, the scene where remaining contestants consoled the champion was "beautiful TV". "I anticipate it could be in the running for outstanding scene at television honors," they said.

Fortunately, the champion soon recovered from his bout of tears, and was able to enjoy the moment.

"Such an emotional journey. I thought I was terrible at deception, I had no poker face and now I stand a winner," he said.

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

"There's something on your face," he said, with his trademark giggle.

The recent episodes of celebrity gossiping, scheming and sometimes unexpected moments may feel like one big crazy jumbled dream. But it really did occur. It will be remembered fondly.