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

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

Throughout the season, audiences saw murders, betrayals, intense glares, and a memorable moment that pierced all suspense.

However on the final evening, the ultimate victor of the first Celebrity Traitors emerged triumphant.

From 19 contestants, just a handful remained: Deceivers and faithfuls facing off for the winnings.

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

Ultimately, comedian Alan Carr was crowned the champion, in a shocking outcome that broke the internet and made him tearful.

"This has been destroying me, I'm so sorry," he declared, admitting to the remaining faithfuls that he'd always been one of the deceivers. "I feel terrible about this."

"You did brilliantly," they consoled him. "Everything's fine."

Social media immediately exploded with this development. "Most awful traitor ever being the most effective player," wrote a viewer.

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

His chosen charity, Neuroblastoma UK, will receive all the prize money, with the total amount amounting to eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

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

However, his victory still shocked viewers in shock, according to industry observers.

"The idea of Alan, of all people, pulling off a masterclass in deceit felt about as likely as him keeping composure through one of his own punchlines."

During follow-up conversations, fellow players summed up the reasons nobody had ever really suspected him.

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

"Most people didn't vote for him because how can you eliminate a person so loveable?" asked a different contestant.

Carr said he had "thoroughly enjoyed" his experience with the program.

"I want to participate once more... I doubt it would be successful again!"

Thursday evening's installment was lengthened to 70 minutes on television. There was an unusual opening than typical episodes, as all the celebs knew who'd make it at the breakfast table.

Viewers heard some very uplifting, and atypical for the show soundtrack, as we recapped key scenes from each of the finalists' experience in the game.

As ever, the comedian provided unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I began the competition as something of an anxious mess. I've betrayed some really good friends under the bus, I've eliminated national treasures openly. I'm clearly a better liar and player than I believed."

At the same time, a different player commented that reaching the conclusion was "significantly more pressure than playing for a national team", while another said he was "completely amazed" to have lasted this long.

In the beginning in the episode, various contestants appeared to be making a bid to become the new style icon of the castle, replacing the previously eliminated style leader.

The winner appeared at breakfast resembling a vintage television personality in a checked maroon suit, later switching into an embellished light-colored outfit.

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

Next up was the challenge, with the final players boarding a locomotive called - 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.

Soon after, the moment arrived for the elimination discussion.

Two traitors did a pinky promise beforehand, pledging to stick together. "We've come a long way, I won't throw him under a bus," said a player, while their partner simply laughed.

However, one did stick to their agreement. Yet, managing to stay under the radar for most of the game, their partner still received the majority elimination votes.

The remaining traitor looked like he was in significant distress to be the last traitor standing. "Now I'm on my own, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm unpredictable, without direction."

Social media and viewers were equally disappointed.

"I did NOT want that player to be banished. An endearing deceiver," commented a commentator.

"You will forever be remembered in Traitors history," wrote a different viewer.

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

The last players gathered around the ceremonial fire. Meanwhile, the partnership collapsed, just when it mattered the most, in a truly WTF moment.

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

"It hurts to be stabbed in the back last minute in that manner," remarked the eliminated player. Later, it was revealed that if they ever communicate, the eliminated contestant refers to their former ally by a betrayer's name.

Finally, only three contestants remained in the game: the last participants.

A contestant, looking incredibly smug, chose to conclude the game. So did another, and everything depended on the third, who did the same - resulting in the deceiver emerged victorious.

For observers, the scene 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 said.

Fortunately, the champion soon recovered from his emotional outburst, and was able to enjoy the moment.

"Such an emotional journey. I was awful at lying, my expressions gave me away and now I stand the champion," he said.

And he even joked about the memorable elimination - his best friend in an early episode - by reaching over the host in the concluding moments and making contact.

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

The recent episodes of famous people scheming, scheming and the occasional surprising incidents may seem like a bizarre fantasy. But it really did all happen. And we will miss it.