Following multiple episodes of suspense, schemes and sabotage, Celebrity Traitors concludes with a thrilling finale

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

Over the course of the show, audiences saw murders, betrayals, intense glares, and a memorable moment that cut through the overwhelming tension.

Yet on the final evening, the ultimate victor of the inaugural Celebrity Traitors emerged triumphant.

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

Before long, the competition tightened to just three: the remaining contestants.

Ultimately, funny man Alan Carr emerged as the winner, in a shocking outcome that broke the internet and made him tearful.

"This has been destroying me, my apologies," he declared, admitting to the remaining faithfuls that he'd always been a traitor. "I'm an awful human being."

"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," commented a viewer.

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

His chosen charity, a cancer charity, gets to keep 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 industry observers.

"The idea of Alan, of all people, executing an expert performance in deceit felt about as likely as him maintaining composure through his comedy routines."

During follow-up conversations, the other contestants explained why no one had truly doubted him.

"Alan could have come down to breakfast in a green cloak and I wouldn't have believed he was deceiving us. His humor distracted me," a player said.

"The majority didn't target him because how can you eliminate a person so charming?" asked a different contestant.

Carr said he had "absolutely loved" his experience with the show.

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

Thursday evening's installment was extended to 70 minutes on the network. It had a different start than typical episodes, as all the celebs knew who'd make it at the breakfast table.

There was particularly inspiring, and atypical for the show soundtrack, as the episode revisited some moments from every remaining player's time in the castle.

As ever, Alan Carr gave us unforgettable quotes.

"Let's face it, I began the competition a bit of an anxious mess. I've betrayed some really good friends under the bus, I've eliminated national treasures in plain sight. I'm clearly more deceptive and player than I believed."

At the same time, another contestant noted that reaching the conclusion was "significantly more pressure than playing for a national team", while someone else said he was "completely amazed" to have made it so far.

In the beginning in the episode, several players appeared to be making a bid to become the new style icon of the competition, taking over from an earlier departed fashionable contestant.

The winner appeared at the morning meal looking like a vintage television personality in patterned burgundy attire, later switching into an embellished light-colored outfit.

But he was outstyled by a fellow player's maroon velvet tuxedo. What a look.

Following this was the challenge, with the remaining contestants getting on board a train named - naturally - The Traitors Express.

This task saw them destroying portraits of eliminated players. Spare a thought for a player who was hit in the head THREE times by the cover of a heavy wooden box.

Before long, it was time for the roundtable.

Two traitors did a pinky promise in advance, pledging to stick together. "We've come a long way, I won't throw him under a bus," stated one, while the other simply laughed.

And one did stick to their agreement. Yet, managing to stay under the radar 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. "Now I'm on my own, 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 eliminated. An endearing deceiver," said a commentator.

"Your legacy will remain in Traitors history," posted another user.

However, there remained no time to focus on this departure. Before long, they were at the endgame - which was the moment everyone anticipated.

The final four gathered around the fire pit. Meanwhile, the partnership collapsed, precisely when it was most crucial, in an absolutely shocking development.

One contestant was eliminated in dramatic fashion - following a surprising decision from their ally, who betrayed them.

"This pains me to be betrayed at the final moment in that manner," said the ousted contestant. Later, we learned that if they ever communicate, the betrayed player calls the other as a traitor.

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

A contestant, appearing quite pleased, voted to end the game. So did a different player, and everything depended on the final participant, who did the same - resulting in the traitor was the winner.

For observers, the moment where the other players consoled the champion was "compelling television". "I predict it will be in the running for outstanding scene at television honors," they said.

Happily, the winner soon recovered from his bout of tears, and was able to enjoy the moment.

"What a rollercoaster. I thought I was terrible at deception, my expressions gave me away and now I stand the champion," the winner said.

And he even made light of the memorable elimination - his close ally during the initial stages - by reaching over the host in the concluding moments and making contact.

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

The recent episodes of famous people scheming, scheming and sometimes surprising incidents may feel like one big crazy jumbled dream. Yet it actually all happen. It will be remembered fondly.