After multiple episodes of tension, schemes and sabotage, The Celebrity Traitors concludes with a thrilling end

Warning: spoilers ahead - This piece reveals key moments from Celebrity Traitors conclusion

Over the course of the show, audiences saw murders, double-crosses, serious side-eye, and an unforgettable incident that cut through all tension.

However on Thursday night, the final winner of the first Celebrity Traitors emerged triumphant.

From 19 contestants, only five were left standing: Traitors and faithfuls competing for the prize.

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

Ultimately, funny man Alan Carr emerged as the winner, in a shocking result that went viral and left him emotional.

"It's been tearing me apart, I'm so sorry," he exclaimed, admitting to the other players that he'd always been one of the deceivers. "I feel terrible about this."

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

Online platforms immediately exploded with this development. "The worst deceiver being the most effective player," wrote one user.

"There could not have been a more iconic ending," wrote a different person, while a third called it "the television highlight of the year."

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

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

But his win still shocked viewers in shock, as noted by industry observers.

"The idea of Alan, of all people, pulling off a masterclass in deceit felt just as probable as him maintaining a straight face through one of his own punchlines."

On subsequent discussions, fellow players explained the reasons nobody had truly doubted him.

"He might have come down to breakfast in a green cloak and I wouldn't have believed he was deceiving us. I was too busy laughing," a player said.

"The majority didn't vote for him because how does one eliminate a person so charming?" asked another celebrity.

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

"I want to participate once more... I doubt it would work a second time!"

The final installment was extended to 70 minutes on television. There was an unusual opening than typical episodes, as all the celebs were aware who'd make it at the breakfast table.

Viewers heard some very uplifting, and atypical for the show soundtrack, as the episode revisited some moments from every remaining player's time in the castle.

As ever, the comedian provided some of the most memorable lines.

"To be honest, I began this game a bit of a nervous wreck. I've thrown some really good friends under the bus, I've eliminated beloved figures in plain sight. Apparently I'm a better liar and player than I believed."

At the same time, a different player noted that reaching the conclusion was "way more stressful than competing with a national team", while someone else said he was "completely amazed" to have made it so far.

Early on of the finale, various contestants appeared to be attempting to become the fashion standout of the castle, taking over from an earlier departed style leader.

Carr emerged at the morning meal resembling a 1950s US chat show host in patterned burgundy attire, before changing into a bejewelled white suit.

But he was outstyled by a fellow player's maroon velvet tuxedo. What a look.

Following this was the challenge, with the final players boarding a train named - naturally - The Traitors Express.

This task saw them ripping up images of eliminated players. Spare a thought for a player who managed to get hit in the head multiple times by the cover of a heavy wooden box.

Before long, the moment arrived for the elimination discussion.

The deceivers did a pinky promise in advance, pledging to stick together. "We've progressed significantly, I won't throw him under a bus," stated a player, while the other just giggled.

And one adhered to his promise. Yet, managing to stay under the radar for most of the game, their partner still got the most votes.

The last deceiver appeared to be experiencing significant distress 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 similarly upset.

"I hoped against that player to be eliminated. A truly loveable traitor," commented a commentator.

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

However, there remained little opportunity to focus on their elimination. Before long, they were at the endgame - which was what we were really all here for.

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

One contestant was painfully banished - following a surprising decision from their ally, who betrayed them.

"It hurts to be betrayed at the final moment in that manner," said the eliminated player. Later, it was revealed that when they message, the eliminated contestant refers to the other as a traitor.

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

A contestant, looking incredibly smug, chose to conclude the competition. So did another, and everything depended on the final participant, who did the same - which meant that the traitor was the winner.

For observers, the moment where remaining contestants 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 could finally appreciate his victory.

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

And he even made light of the memorable elimination - his close ally in an early episode - by reaching over the presenter in the final scene and making contact.

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

The recent episodes of famous people scheming, scheming and the occasional unexpected moments may feel like one big crazy jumbled dream. But it really did occur. And we will miss it.