After weeks of suspense, schemes and sabotage, The Celebrity Traitors concludes with a nail-biting end

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

Over the course of the show, viewers witnessed eliminations, double-crosses, intense glares, and an unforgettable incident that pierced the overwhelming suspense.

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

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

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

Ultimately, comedian Alan Carr was crowned the winner, in a surprising result that went viral and left him emotional.

"It's been tearing me apart, my apologies," he exclaimed, admitting to the other players that he was actually one of the deceivers. "I feel terrible about this."

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

Online platforms immediately exploded with the news. "Most awful traitor ever being the best traitor ever," wrote one user.

"There could not have been a better conclusion," stated a different person, while someone else called it "the television highlight of the year."

The organization he selected, a cancer charity, 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 among the most memorable aspects of the season.

But his win still left the nation in shock, as noted by industry observers.

"The idea of Alan, of all people, executing an expert performance in deceit felt just as probable as him maintaining a straight face 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 the morning meal in traitor attire and I wouldn't have believed he was a traitor. His humor distracted me," a player said.

"Most people didn't target him because how does one vote for a person so loveable?" asked another celebrity.

The winner stated he had "absolutely loved" his experience with the program.

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

Thursday evening's installment was extended to over an hour on the network. It had an unusual opening 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 music, as the episode revisited some moments from each of the finalists' time in the castle.

True to form, Alan Carr gave us some of the most memorable lines.

"Let's face it, I started the competition as something of a nervous wreck. I've betrayed some really good friends under the bus, I've murdered beloved figures openly. Apparently I'm more deceptive and traitor than I thought."

At the same time, another contestant noted that reaching the conclusion was "way more stressful than competing with a national team", while another said he was "completely amazed" to have lasted this long.

In the beginning in the episode, several players seemed to be making a bid to become the fashion standout of the competition, taking over from an earlier departed fashionable contestant.

Carr emerged at the morning meal resembling a vintage television personality in patterned burgundy attire, later switching into a bejewelled white suit.

However, he got outstyled by another contestant's burgundy formal wear. Impressive style.

Following this was the challenge, with the final players boarding a locomotive called - naturally - The Deceivers' Railway.

This task saw them destroying images of eliminated players. Spare a thought for one participant who managed to get hit in the head THREE times by the lid of a heavy wooden box.

Before long, the moment arrived for the elimination discussion.

The deceivers did a pinky promise beforehand, pledging to support each other. "We've come a long way, I won't betray him," stated a player, while their partner simply laughed.

And one adhered to his promise. But, managing to stay under the radar for the majority of the competition, the other 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 equally disappointed.

"I did NOT want this contestant to be banished. An endearing deceiver," said a commentator.

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

But there was no time to focus on their elimination. Before long, the game reached the final stage - which was the moment everyone anticipated.

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

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

"This pains me to be betrayed at the final moment in that manner," said the ousted contestant. Later, it was revealed that if they ever communicate, the betrayed player calls their former ally by a betrayer's name.

Ultimately, just three players remained in the game: the final trio.

One player, appearing quite pleased, chose to conclude the competition. The same decision was made by a different player, and it all came down to the third, who made the identical choice - which meant that the traitor was the winner.

For observers, the moment where remaining contestants comforted the winner was "compelling television". "I anticipate it will be a contender for outstanding scene at next year's awards," they said.

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

"Such an emotional journey. I thought I was terrible at deception, my expressions gave me away and now I stand a winner," he said.

And he even joked about that infamous murder - his best friend during the initial stages - by leaning toward the host in the concluding moments and touching her cheek.

"There's something on your face," he said, with his characteristic laugh.

The last few weeks of celebrity gossiping, scheming and the occasional surprising incidents may feel like a bizarre fantasy. But it really did occur. It will be remembered fondly.