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

Spoiler alert - This article reveals key moments from Celebrity Traitors finale

Throughout the season, audiences saw murders, betrayals, serious side-eye, and a memorable moment that cut through the overwhelming tension.

Yet on the final evening, the final winner of the inaugural Celebrity Traitors emerged triumphant.

From 19 contestants, only five remained: Traitors and loyal players competing for the winnings.

Soon, the field narrowed to just three: the final players.

In the end, comedian Alan Carr was crowned the winner, in a shocking outcome that went viral and left him emotional.

"This has been destroying me, I'm so sorry," he declared, revealing to the other players that he was actually one of the deceivers. "I'm an awful human being."

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

Social media quickly erupted with the news. "Most awful traitor ever being the most effective player," wrote one user.

"There could not have been a better conclusion," stated another, while a third described it as "the TV moment of the year."

His chosen charity, a cancer charity, will receive all the prize money, with the total amount amounting to £87,500.

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

But his win still left the nation surprised, according to industry observers.

"The thought of him, of all people, pulling off a masterclass in deceit felt just as probable as him maintaining a straight face through his comedy routines."

On subsequent discussions, the other contestants explained the reasons nobody had truly doubted him.

"He might have appeared to breakfast in traitor attire and I wouldn't have believed he was a traitor. I was too busy laughing," a player said.

"Most people didn't target 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 show.

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

Thursday evening's installment was extended to 70 minutes on television. There was a different start than usual, as every celebrity knew who'd make it at the breakfast table.

There was some very uplifting, and very un-Traitors-esque soundtrack, as we recapped some moments from every remaining player's time in the castle.

True to form, the comedian provided some of the most memorable lines.

"Let's face it, I started the competition a bit of a nervous wreck. I've betrayed close allies under the bus, I've murdered national treasures openly. Apparently I'm more deceptive and player than I thought."

Meanwhile, a different player noted that reaching the conclusion was "significantly more pressure than playing for a national team", while another said he was "totally surprised" to have lasted this long.

Early on of the finale, several players appeared to be making a bid to become the new style icon of the competition, taking over from an earlier departed fashionable contestant.

Carr emerged at breakfast resembling 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. What a look.

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

This task saw them destroying images of eliminated players. Spare a thought for a player who was hit on the head multiple times by the lid of a substantial container.

Before long, it was time for the elimination discussion.

The deceivers made a pact in advance, pledging to support each other. "We've come a long way, I won't betray him," said one, while the other simply laughed.

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

The last deceiver looked like to be experiencing a world of pain to be the last traitor standing. "Now I'm on my own, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm unpredictable, a rudderless ship."

Social media and viewers were similarly upset.

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

"Your legacy will remain in Traitors history," posted a different viewer.

However, there remained no time to dwell on this departure. Soon, they were at the endgame - this being the moment everyone anticipated.

The final four stood over the fire pit. And the alliance broke down, precisely when it was most crucial, in a truly WTF moment.

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

"This pains me to be betrayed at the final moment like that," said the eliminated player. Subsequently, we learned that if they ever communicate, the betrayed player refers to 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 game. So did a different player, and it all came down to the final participant, who did the same - resulting in the traitor was the winner.

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

Happily, the winner quickly regained composure from his bout of tears, and was able to enjoy the moment.

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

And he even made light of the memorable elimination - his close ally during the initial stages - by reaching over the host 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 surprising incidents may seem like one big crazy jumbled dream. But it really did occur. It will be remembered fondly.