Following multiple episodes of tension, schemes and sabotage, Celebrity Traitors has reached a nail-biting end

Warning: spoilers ahead - This article discloses key moments from The Celebrity Traitors conclusion

Over the course of the show, audiences saw murders, betrayals, serious side-eye, and a memorable moment that pierced all tension.

Yet on Thursday night, the final winner of the first celebrity edition was revealed.

Out of nineteen participants, just a handful remained: Traitors and loyal players facing off for the prize.

Soon, the competition tightened to just three: the final players.

Ultimately, comedian Alan Carr was crowned the champion, in a shocking outcome that went viral and left him emotional.

"It's been tearing me apart, I'm so sorry," he declared, admitting to the other players that he'd always been a traitor. "I feel terrible about this."

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

Online platforms immediately exploded with the news. "Most awful traitor ever being the most effective player," wrote one user.

"There could not have been a better conclusion," wrote a different person, while a third described it as "the TV moment of the year."

His chosen charity, Neuroblastoma UK, will receive all the prize money, with the total amount reaching eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

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

But his win still shocked viewers in shock, according to industry observers.

"The thought of him, among everyone, pulling off a masterclass in deception felt about as likely as him maintaining composure through his comedy routines."

On subsequent discussions, fellow players explained why no one had truly doubted him.

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

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

The winner stated he had "absolutely loved" his time on the program.

"I'd like to participate once more... I doubt it would work a second time!"

The final episode was extended to over an hour on the network. There was a different start than usual, as every celebrity were aware who'd make it at the morning gathering.

There was particularly inspiring, and very un-Traitors-esque soundtrack, as the episode revisited key scenes from every remaining player's time in the castle.

As ever, Alan Carr provided unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I started the competition as something of an anxious mess. I've betrayed some really good friends to save myself, I've eliminated beloved figures in plain sight. I'm clearly more deceptive and traitor than I believed."

At the same time, another contestant commented that being in the final was "significantly more pressure than competing with England", while another said he was "totally surprised" to have lasted this long.

In the beginning 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 the morning meal looking like a vintage television personality in a checked maroon suit, later switching into a bejewelled white suit.

But he was outstyled by another contestant's maroon velvet tuxedo. Impressive style.

Next up was the challenge, with the final players boarding a locomotive called - of course - The Traitors Express.

This task saw them ripping up images of former contestants. Have sympathy for a player who was hit on the head THREE times by the lid of a substantial container.

Before long, the moment arrived for the elimination discussion.

Two traitors made a pact in advance, pledging to support each other. "We've come a long way, I'm not going to throw him under a bus," said one, while their partner just giggled.

And one adhered to his promise. Yet, managing to stay unnoticed for the majority of the competition, their partner still got the most votes.

The remaining traitor looked like to be experiencing significant distress to be the last traitor standing. "Being alone, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm unpredictable, a rudderless ship."

Online platforms and viewers were equally disappointed.

"I hoped against that player to be banished. A truly loveable traitor," said an observer.

"You will forever be remembered in the show's legacy," posted another user.

However, there remained little opportunity to focus on their elimination. Before long, they were at the endgame - this being the moment everyone anticipated.

The final four gathered around the ceremonial fire. Meanwhile, the partnership collapsed, just when it mattered the most, in a truly WTF moment.

A player was eliminated in dramatic fashion - following a surprising decision from their partner, who betrayed them.

"This pains me to be stabbed in the back at the final moment in that manner," remarked the eliminated player. Subsequently, we learned that if they ever communicate, the eliminated contestant refers to the other by a betrayer's name.

Finally, just three players were still competing: the final trio.

One player, looking incredibly smug, chose to conclude the competition. So did a different player, and it all came down to the final participant, who did the same - which meant that the traitor emerged victorious.

According to commentators, the moment where remaining contestants consoled the winner was "beautiful TV". "I predict it will be in the running for memorable moment at television honors," they commented.

Happily, the winner quickly regained composure 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," the winner said.

And he even made light of that infamous murder - his close ally during the initial stages - by leaning toward the host in the concluding moments and making contact.

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

The recent episodes of famous people scheming, plotting and sometimes unexpected moments may seem like a bizarre fantasy. But it really did all happen. It will be remembered fondly.