Following weeks of suspense, schemes and sabotage, Celebrity Traitors concludes with a nail-biting finale

Spoiler alert - This article discloses details from Celebrity Traitors conclusion

Over the course of the show, viewers witnessed murders, betrayals, serious side-eye, and a memorable moment that pierced all tension.

However on the final evening, the ultimate victor of the first Celebrity Traitors was revealed.

From nineteen participants, only five were left standing: Deceivers and faithfuls facing off for the prize.

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

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

"This has been destroying me, my apologies," he declared, 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."

Social media quickly erupted with the news. "The worst deceiver being the most effective player," commented one user.

"It couldn't have been a better conclusion," stated a different person, while a third described it as "the television highlight of the year."

The organization he selected, a cancer charity, gets to keep all the prize money, with the final pot reaching £87,500.

The comedian's evolution from giggle liability to strategic player was among the most memorable aspects of the season.

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

"The idea of Alan, among everyone, pulling off an expert performance in deceit felt just as probable as him maintaining a straight face through one of his own punchlines."

On subsequent discussions, fellow players summed up why no one had ever really suspected him.

"Alan could have come down to breakfast in traitor attire and I still wouldn't have thought he was a traitor. I was too busy laughing," a player said.

"The majority didn't vote for him because how can you vote for someone who is so loveable?" asked a different contestant.

Carr said he had "thoroughly enjoyed" 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 episode was extended to over an hour on television. It had an unusual opening than usual, as every celebrity were aware who'd make it at the breakfast table.

There was particularly inspiring, and atypical for the show music, as we recapped key scenes from every remaining player's experience in the game.

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

"To be honest, I started the competition as something of an anxious mess. I've thrown close allies to save myself, I've eliminated national treasures openly. Apparently I'm more deceptive and player than I thought."

Meanwhile, a different player noted that being in the final was "significantly more pressure than competing with a national team", while someone else said he was "totally surprised" to have lasted this long.

In the beginning of the finale, various contestants seemed to be attempting to become the fashion standout of the competition, taking over from an earlier departed fashionable contestant.

Carr emerged at breakfast looking like a 1950s US chat show host in patterned burgundy attire, before changing into a bejewelled white suit.

However, he got out-jacketted by a fellow player's maroon velvet tuxedo. What a look.

Following this was the competition, with the remaining contestants boarding a locomotive called - of course - The Traitors Express.

The challenge involved destroying portraits of former contestants. Spare a thought for a player who was hit in the head multiple times by the lid of a substantial container.

Soon after, it was time for the elimination discussion.

Two traitors did a pinky promise in advance, vowing to support each other. "We've come a long way, I won't betray him," said one, while their partner just giggled.

And one did stick to his promise. Yet, managing to stay under the radar for the majority of the competition, their partner still received the majority elimination votes.

The remaining traitor looked like he was in a world of pain to be the last traitor standing. "Being alone, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, without direction."

Online platforms and onlookers were equally disappointed.

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

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

But there was little opportunity to dwell on their elimination. Before long, they were at the endgame - which was the moment everyone anticipated.

The last players gathered around the ceremonial fire. Meanwhile, the partnership collapsed, precisely when it was most crucial, in an absolutely shocking development.

A player was eliminated in dramatic fashion - after a shock vote from their partner, who turned against them.

"This pains me to be stabbed in the back last minute like that," said the ousted contestant. Subsequently, it was revealed that when they message, the betrayed player calls their former ally by a betrayer's name.

Ultimately, just three players remained in the game: the last participants.

One player, appearing quite pleased, voted to end the game. The same decision was made by a different player, and everything depended on the third, who did the same - which meant that the traitor emerged victorious.

According to commentators, the scene where remaining contestants consoled the winner was "beautiful TV". "I predict it will be in the running for outstanding scene at next year's awards," they commented.

Happily, the champion quickly regained composure from his bout of tears, and could finally appreciate the moment.

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

And he even made light of that infamous murder - his best friend 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 last few weeks of celebrity gossiping, plotting and the occasional unexpected moments may feel like one big crazy jumbled dream. Yet it actually all happen. It will be remembered fondly.