Following weeks of tension, schemes and backstabbing, The Celebrity Traitors has reached a nail-biting finale

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

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

Yet on the final evening, the ultimate victor of the first celebrity edition was revealed.

Out of nineteen participants, just a handful were left standing: Deceivers and faithfuls facing off for the winnings.

Soon, the field narrowed to only three contenders: the remaining contestants.

In the end, funny man Alan Carr was crowned the winner, in a shocking outcome that went viral and made him tearful.

"This has been destroying me, my apologies," he declared, revealing to the remaining faithfuls that he was actually one of the deceivers. "I feel terrible about this."

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

Online platforms immediately exploded with this development. "Most awful traitor ever being the most effective player," wrote a viewer.

"It couldn't have been a better conclusion," stated a different person, while a third called it "the TV moment of the year."

The organization he selected, Neuroblastoma UK, gets to keep the entire winnings, 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 series.

However, his victory still shocked viewers surprised, according to entertainment reporters.

"The idea of Alan, of all people, pulling off an expert performance in deception felt just as probable as him maintaining composure through one of his own punchlines."

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

"Alan could have appeared to the morning meal in traitor attire and I wouldn't have believed he was deceiving us. I was too busy laughing," one participant said.

"Most people didn't target him because how can you eliminate a person so charming?" questioned a different contestant.

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

"I want to participate once more... I doubt 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 typical episodes, as every celebrity were aware who'd make it at the breakfast table.

Viewers heard particularly inspiring, and atypical for the show soundtrack, as we recapped key scenes from each of the finalists' time in the castle.

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

"Let's face it, I began this game as something of a nervous wreck. I've thrown close allies under the bus, I've murdered national treasures openly. I'm clearly more deceptive and traitor than I thought."

Meanwhile, a different player noted that reaching the conclusion was "way more stressful than playing for a national team", while another said he was "completely amazed" to have lasted this long.

In the beginning of the finale, several players seemed to be making a bid to become the new style icon of the castle, taking over from the previously eliminated fashionable contestant.

The winner appeared at the morning meal resembling a 1950s US chat show host in a checked maroon suit, later switching into a bejewelled white suit.

But he was out-jacketted by another contestant's maroon velvet tuxedo. Impressive style.

Following this was the competition, with the remaining contestants getting on board a train named - of course - The Deceivers' Railway.

The challenge saw them ripping up portraits of eliminated players. Have sympathy for a player who was hit in the head THREE times by the cover of a substantial container.

Before long, it was time for the roundtable.

The deceivers did a pinky promise beforehand, vowing to support each other. "We've progressed significantly, I'm not going to throw him under a bus," said a player, while their partner simply laughed.

However, one did stick to their agreement. Yet, managing to stay unnoticed for most of the game, the other still got the most votes.

The remaining traitor appeared to be experiencing significant distress to be the final deceiver remaining. "Now I'm on my own, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, a rudderless ship."

Online platforms and viewers were similarly upset.

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

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

However, there remained no time to focus on their elimination. Soon, they were at the final stage - which was the moment everyone anticipated.

The last players stood over the ceremonial fire. Meanwhile, the partnership collapsed, precisely when it mattered the most, in an absolutely shocking development.

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

"This pains me to be betrayed at the final moment like that," remarked the eliminated player. Subsequently, we learned that if they ever communicate, the eliminated contestant refers to their former ally as a traitor.

Ultimately, only three contestants were still competing: the final trio.

A contestant, looking incredibly smug, chose to conclude the competition. The same decision was made by a different player, and it all came down to the final participant, who made the identical choice - which meant that the traitor emerged victorious.

For observers, the scene where remaining contestants comforted the champion was "beautiful TV". "I anticipate it will be a contender for memorable moment at next year's awards," they said.

Fortunately, the winner quickly regained composure from his bout of tears, and was able to enjoy his victory.

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

He also joked about that infamous murder - his close ally during the initial stages - by leaning toward the presenter in the concluding moments and touching her cheek.

"You've got something on your face," he said, with his characteristic laugh.

The recent episodes of celebrity gossiping, plotting and sometimes unexpected moments may feel like a bizarre fantasy. Yet it actually all happen. It will be remembered fondly.