Following multiple episodes of tension, schemes and sabotage, The Celebrity Traitors concludes with a nail-biting end

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

Throughout the season, audiences saw eliminations, betrayals, serious side-eye, and a memorable moment that pierced the overwhelming suspense.

However on Thursday night, the final winner of the first celebrity edition emerged triumphant.

From 19 contestants, only five remained: Deceivers and loyal players facing off for the winnings.

Before long, the field narrowed to just three: the final players.

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

"This has been destroying me, I'm so sorry," he exclaimed, admitting to the remaining faithfuls that he was actually one of the deceivers. "I feel terrible about this."

"You did brilliantly," they comforted him. "It's all right."

Online platforms immediately exploded with this development. "Most awful traitor ever being the best traitor ever," commented one user.

"It couldn't have been a more iconic ending," wrote a different person, while a third described it as "the TV moment of the year."

The organization he selected, Neuroblastoma UK, will receive all the prize money, with the total amount amounting to £87,500.

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

However, his victory still left the nation in shock, as noted by industry observers.

"The idea of Alan, of all people, pulling off a masterclass in deception felt just as probable as him keeping composure through one of his own punchlines."

On subsequent discussions, the other contestants explained why no one had ever really suspected him.

"He might have appeared to the morning meal in traitor attire and I still wouldn't have thought he was deceiving us. I was too busy laughing," one participant said.

"The majority didn't target him because how does one eliminate someone who is so charming?" asked a different contestant.

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

"I'd like to do it again... I don't think it would be successful again!"

Thursday evening's episode was lengthened to over an hour on television. There was an unusual opening than usual, as all the celebs knew who would appear at the morning gathering.

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

As ever, Alan Carr provided unforgettable quotes.

"Let's face it, I began this game a bit of a nervous wreck. I've betrayed some really good friends to save myself, I've eliminated beloved figures in plain sight. Apparently I'm more deceptive and traitor than I thought."

At the same time, another contestant noted that being in the final was "significantly more pressure than competing with England", while another said he was "totally surprised" to have made it so far.

Early on of the finale, various contestants seemed to be making a bid to become the fashion standout of the castle, taking over from an earlier departed style leader.

The winner appeared at breakfast resembling a vintage television personality in a checked maroon suit, before changing into an embellished light-colored outfit.

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

Following this was the competition, with the final players boarding a train named - of course - The Deceivers' Railway.

This task involved destroying portraits of eliminated players. Have sympathy for one participant who was hit on the head multiple times by the lid of a substantial container.

Before long, the moment arrived for the roundtable.

Two traitors did a pinky promise in advance, vowing to stick together. "We've come a long way, I'm not going to betray him," stated a player, while the other simply laughed.

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

The last deceiver appeared he was in a world of pain to be the final deceiver remaining. "Being alone, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm unpredictable, without direction."

Online platforms and onlookers were equally disappointed.

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

"You will forever be remembered in the show's legacy," posted a different viewer.

However, there remained little opportunity to focus on this departure. Soon, they were at the final stage - which was what we were really all here for.

The last players gathered around the fire pit. Meanwhile, the partnership collapsed, just when it mattered the most, in an absolutely shocking development.

One contestant was painfully banished - after a shock vote from their partner, who betrayed them.

"This pains me to be betrayed last minute like that," said the eliminated player. Subsequently, it was revealed that when they message, the betrayed player refers to their former ally as a traitor.

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

A contestant, appearing quite pleased, chose to conclude the competition. So did a different player, and it all came down to the third, who did the same - which meant that the deceiver was the winner.

According to commentators, the moment where the other players comforted the winner was "compelling television". "I anticipate it will be a contender for memorable moment 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 thought I was terrible at deception, I had no poker face and now I stand the champion," he said.

He also made light of that infamous murder - his best friend during the initial stages - by leaning toward the host in the final scene and making contact.

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

The last few weeks of famous people scheming, plotting and the occasional unexpected moments may seem like one big crazy jumbled dream. Yet it actually all happen. And we will miss it.