After weeks of tension, schemes and backstabbing, Celebrity Traitors has reached a thrilling end

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

Over the course of the show, viewers witnessed eliminations, betrayals, serious side-eye, and a memorable moment that pierced the overwhelming suspense.

However on Thursday night, the ultimate victor of the inaugural celebrity edition emerged triumphant.

Out of 19 contestants, just a handful remained: Deceivers and loyal players competing for the prize.

Soon, the field narrowed to only three contenders: the final players.

Ultimately, comedian Alan Carr was crowned the champion, in a surprising outcome that broke the internet and left him emotional.

"This has been destroying me, my apologies," he declared, revealing to the remaining faithfuls that he was actually a traitor. "I'm an awful human being."

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

Online platforms immediately exploded with the news. "The worst deceiver 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."

The organization he selected, Neuroblastoma UK, gets to keep the entire winnings, with the total amount amounting to eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

Alan Carr's transformation from giggle liability to cold-hearted killer was one of the standout highlights of the season.

But his win still shocked viewers in shock, according to entertainment reporters.

"The thought of him, among everyone, executing a masterclass in deception felt about as likely as him keeping composure through his comedy routines."

During follow-up conversations, fellow players summed up why no one had ever really suspected him.

"Alan could have appeared to breakfast in traitor attire and I still wouldn't have thought he was a traitor. 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?" asked a different contestant.

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

"I'd like to do it again... I doubt it would be successful again!"

Thursday evening's episode was extended to 70 minutes on the network. There was an unusual opening than usual, as all the celebs were aware who would appear at the breakfast table.

There was some very uplifting, and atypical for the show music, as the episode revisited key scenes from each of the finalists' time in the castle.

True to form, the comedian gave us unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I began this game a bit of a nervous wreck. I've betrayed some really good friends to save myself, I've eliminated national treasures openly. Apparently I'm more deceptive and player than I thought."

Meanwhile, another contestant noted that reaching the conclusion was "significantly more pressure than playing for England", while someone else said he was "completely amazed" to have made it so far.

Early on in the episode, various contestants appeared to be attempting to become the fashion standout of the competition, taking over from an earlier departed fashionable contestant.

Carr emerged at the morning meal looking like a 1950s US chat show host in patterned burgundy attire, later switching into an embellished light-colored outfit.

But he was 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 saw them ripping up images of eliminated players. Spare a thought for one participant who was hit in the head THREE times by the lid of a substantial container.

Soon after, the moment arrived for the elimination discussion.

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

However, one did stick to their agreement. But, managing to stay under the radar for most of the game, their partner still got the most votes.

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

Social media and onlookers were similarly upset.

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

"You will forever be remembered in the show's legacy," wrote another user.

But there was no time to dwell on their elimination. Before long, they were at the final stage - which was the moment everyone anticipated.

The last players gathered around the ceremonial fire. And the alliance collapsed, just when it was most crucial, in a truly WTF moment.

A player was eliminated in dramatic fashion - after a shock vote from their ally, who betrayed them.

"This pains me to be stabbed in the back at the final moment like that," said the ousted contestant. Subsequently, it was revealed that if they ever communicate, the betrayed player refers to the other by a betrayer's name.

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

One player, looking incredibly smug, 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 emerged victorious.

For observers, the scene where the other players consoled the winner was "beautiful TV". "I predict it could be a contender for memorable moment at next year's awards," they said.

Happily, the champion quickly regained composure from his emotional outburst, and was able to enjoy his victory.

"Such an emotional journey. I was awful at lying, I had no poker face and here I am the champion," 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 final scene and touching her cheek.

"You've got something on your face," he said, with his trademark giggle.

The recent episodes of celebrity gossiping, plotting and the occasional unexpected moments may feel like a bizarre fantasy. Yet it actually occur. It will be remembered fondly.