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

Warning: spoilers ahead - This article reveals key moments from The Celebrity Traitors finale

Throughout the season, viewers witnessed murders, double-crosses, serious side-eye, and a memorable moment that pierced all suspense.

However on Thursday night, the ultimate victor of the inaugural celebrity edition emerged triumphant.

From 19 contestants, only five were left standing: Traitors and faithfuls facing off for the winnings.

Soon, the competition tightened to just three: the remaining contestants.

In the end, funny man Alan Carr emerged as the winner, in a surprising outcome that went viral and left him emotional.

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

"You played amazingly," they comforted him. "It's all right."

Social media quickly erupted with this development. "The worst deceiver being the best traitor ever," 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, will receive all the prize money, with the total amount amounting to £87,500.

The comedian's evolution from giggle liability to cold-hearted killer was among the most memorable aspects of the series.

But his win still shocked viewers surprised, according to entertainment reporters.

"The idea of Alan, of all people, executing an expert performance in deceit felt just as probable as him keeping a straight face through one of his own punchlines."

On subsequent discussions, the other contestants explained why no one had truly doubted him.

"Alan could have appeared to breakfast in traitor attire and I wouldn't have believed he was deceiving us. I was too busy laughing," a player said.

"Most people didn't target him because how can you vote for a person so charming?" asked another celebrity.

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

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

The final episode was extended to over an hour on television. It had an unusual opening than typical episodes, as every celebrity knew who'd make it at the breakfast table.

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

As ever, Alan Carr provided unforgettable quotes.

"Let's face it, I began this game as something of an anxious mess. I've thrown close allies under the bus, I've eliminated beloved figures openly. I'm clearly more deceptive and player than I believed."

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

Early on in the episode, various contestants appeared to be making a bid to become the new style icon of the competition, replacing the previously eliminated fashionable contestant.

Carr emerged at breakfast resembling a vintage television personality in patterned burgundy attire, before changing into a bejewelled white suit.

But he was outstyled by another contestant's burgundy formal wear. What a look.

Next up was the competition, with the remaining contestants boarding a locomotive called - of course - The Traitors Express.

This task involved destroying portraits of former contestants. Spare a thought for one participant who was hit in the head THREE times by the lid of a substantial container.

Soon after, it was time 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 simply laughed.

And one did stick to his promise. Yet, managing to stay unnoticed for the majority of the competition, the other still received the majority elimination votes.

The remaining traitor appeared to be experiencing a world of pain to be the last traitor standing. "Being alone, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm unpredictable, without direction."

Social media and viewers were similarly upset.

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

"Your legacy will remain in the show's legacy," wrote a different viewer.

But there was little opportunity to focus on their elimination. Before long, the game reached the final stage - which was the moment everyone anticipated.

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

A player was painfully banished - after a shock vote from their partner, who turned against them.

"It hurts to be stabbed in the back last minute like that," remarked the eliminated player. Subsequently, it was revealed that when they message, the eliminated contestant calls the other as a traitor.

Finally, just three players were still competing: the last participants.

A contestant, looking incredibly smug, chose to conclude the game. The same decision was made by a different player, and everything depended on the third, who did the same - which meant that the traitor emerged victorious.

For observers, the moment where the other players comforted the winner was "beautiful TV". "I predict it could be a contender for memorable moment at television honors," they said.

Happily, the champion quickly regained composure from his emotional outburst, and was able to enjoy his victory.

"Such an emotional journey. I was awful at lying, I had no poker face and now I stand a winner," he said.

And he even made light of that infamous murder - his close ally in an early episode - by leaning toward the presenter in the final scene and making contact.

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

The last few weeks of famous people scheming, plotting and sometimes surprising incidents may seem like a bizarre fantasy. Yet it actually all happen. It will be remembered fondly.