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

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

Throughout the season, viewers witnessed murders, betrayals, intense glares, and an unforgettable incident that pierced the overwhelming suspense.

Yet on Thursday night, the ultimate victor of the inaugural celebrity edition was revealed.

From 19 contestants, just a handful were left standing: Deceivers and loyal players competing for the winnings.

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

In the end, comedian Alan Carr emerged as the winner, in a surprising outcome that went viral and made him tearful.

"This has been destroying me, I'm so sorry," he declared, admitting to the other players that he was actually a traitor. "I feel terrible about this."

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

Social media quickly erupted with the news. "The worst deceiver being the best traitor ever," wrote one user.

"There could not have been a better conclusion," stated another, while someone else described it as "the TV moment of the year."

His chosen charity, Neuroblastoma UK, will receive the entire winnings, with the final pot reaching £87,500.

The comedian's evolution from comic relief to cold-hearted killer was among the most memorable aspects of the season.

But his win still left the nation in shock, according to entertainment reporters.

"The thought of him, among everyone, executing a masterclass in deceit felt about as likely as him keeping composure through one of his own punchlines."

During follow-up conversations, the other contestants explained why no one had ever really suspected him.

"He might have come down 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 target him because how does one vote for someone who is so loveable?" asked another celebrity.

Carr said he had "thoroughly enjoyed" his time on the program.

"I want to do it again... I doubt it would be successful a second time!"

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

There was some very uplifting, and very un-Traitors-esque music, as the episode revisited some moments from each of the finalists' experience in the game.

As ever, the comedian provided unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I began the competition as something of an anxious mess. I've betrayed some really good friends under the bus, I've eliminated beloved figures in plain sight. Apparently I'm more deceptive and player than I thought."

Meanwhile, a different player commented that being in the final was "way more stressful than playing for a national team", while someone else said he was "totally surprised" to have lasted this long.

Early on of the finale, various contestants seemed to be attempting to become the new style icon of the castle, replacing the previously eliminated style leader.

Carr emerged at breakfast looking like a 1950s US chat show host in a checked maroon suit, later switching into an embellished light-colored outfit.

But he was out-jacketted by a fellow player's burgundy formal wear. What a look.

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

The challenge involved destroying images of eliminated players. Spare a thought for one participant who was hit in the head THREE times by the cover of a heavy wooden box.

Soon after, the moment arrived for the elimination discussion.

Two traitors did a pinky promise in advance, pledging to stick together. "We've progressed significantly, I'm not going to throw him under a bus," said a player, while the other simply laughed.

However, one adhered to his promise. Yet, having slipped unnoticed for most of the game, their partner still received the majority elimination votes.

The last deceiver looked like he was in significant distress to be the last traitor standing. "Being alone, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, a rudderless ship."

Online platforms and viewers were similarly upset.

"I hoped against this contestant to be eliminated. An endearing deceiver," said an observer.

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

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

The last players gathered around the fire pit. And the alliance broke down, just when it mattered the most, in an absolutely shocking development.

One contestant was eliminated in dramatic fashion - after a shock vote from their ally, who betrayed them.

"It hurts to be betrayed last minute like that," remarked the eliminated player. Subsequently, it was revealed that if they ever communicate, the betrayed player refers to the other as a traitor.

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

One player, appearing quite pleased, chose to conclude the competition. The same decision was made by another, and it all came down to the final participant, who did the same - resulting in the traitor emerged victorious.

For observers, the moment where the other players consoled the champion was "compelling television". "I anticipate it could be a contender for memorable moment at television honors," they commented.

Fortunately, the champion soon recovered from his bout of tears, and could finally appreciate the moment.

"What a rollercoaster. 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 best friend in an early episode - by leaning toward the host in the final scene and making contact.

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

The recent episodes of celebrity gossiping, plotting and sometimes surprising incidents may seem like one big crazy jumbled dream. But it really did all happen. It will be remembered fondly.