Following weeks of tension, schemes and backstabbing, Celebrity Traitors concludes with a thrilling finale

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

Over the course of the show, viewers witnessed murders, double-crosses, serious side-eye, and a memorable moment that cut through the overwhelming tension.

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

From nineteen participants, only five remained: Traitors and loyal players competing for the winnings.

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

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

"It's been tearing me apart, I'm so sorry," he exclaimed, admitting to the other players that he was actually a traitor. "I'm an awful human being."

"You played amazingly," they comforted him. "Everything's fine."

Social media quickly erupted with the news. "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 television highlight of the year."

The organization he selected, Neuroblastoma UK, gets to keep the entire winnings, with the total amount amounting to £87,500.

The comedian's evolution from giggle liability to cold-hearted killer was one of the standout highlights of the season.

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

"The thought of him, among everyone, executing a masterclass in deceit felt just as probable as him keeping composure through his comedy routines."

On subsequent discussions, fellow players summed up the reasons nobody had ever really suspected him.

"Alan could have appeared to breakfast in a green cloak and I still wouldn't have thought he was deceiving us. His humor distracted me," one participant said.

"Most people didn't vote for him because how does one vote for someone who is so loveable?" questioned another celebrity.

The winner stated he had "thoroughly enjoyed" his time on the show.

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

The final installment was lengthened to 70 minutes on the network. It had a different start than usual, as every celebrity knew who'd make it at the morning gathering.

There was particularly inspiring, and very un-Traitors-esque soundtrack, as the episode revisited some moments from each of the finalists' time in the castle.

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

"Let's face it, I started this game a bit of an anxious mess. I've betrayed close allies under the bus, I've murdered beloved figures openly. I'm clearly more deceptive and traitor than I believed."

At the same time, another contestant noted that being in the final was "way more stressful than playing for a national team", while another said he was "totally surprised" to have lasted this long.

Early on in the episode, various contestants seemed to be attempting to become the new style icon of the competition, taking over from the previously eliminated style leader.

The winner appeared at breakfast resembling a vintage television personality in patterned burgundy attire, later switching into a bejewelled white suit.

But he was out-jacketted by a fellow player's maroon velvet tuxedo. Impressive style.

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

The challenge saw them ripping up images of eliminated players. Spare a thought for a player who managed to get hit in the head THREE times by the cover of a substantial container.

Soon after, the moment arrived for the roundtable.

The deceivers did a pinky promise beforehand, pledging to support each other. "We've progressed significantly, I won't throw him under a bus," stated one, while their partner just giggled.

And one adhered to their agreement. But, managing to stay unnoticed for most of the game, their partner still received the majority elimination votes.

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

Social media and onlookers were equally disappointed.

"I hoped against that player to be eliminated. An endearing deceiver," commented an observer.

"Your legacy will remain in the show's legacy," wrote another user.

However, there remained little opportunity to dwell on their elimination. Soon, they were at the endgame - this being what we were really all here for.

The final four stood over the fire pit. Meanwhile, the partnership collapsed, just when it was most crucial, in a truly WTF moment.

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

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

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

A contestant, appearing quite pleased, chose to conclude the game. So did another, and it all came down to the final participant, who did the same - resulting in the deceiver was the winner.

For observers, the scene where remaining contestants consoled the winner was "compelling television". "I anticipate it could be in the running for outstanding scene at next year's awards," they commented.

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

"Such an emotional journey. I thought I was terrible at deception, I had no poker face and now I stand the champion," the winner said.

He also made light of that infamous murder - his best friend 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 characteristic laugh.

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