Following weeks of suspense, schemes and backstabbing, The Celebrity Traitors has reached a thrilling end

Spoiler alert - This piece discloses key moments from The Celebrity Traitors conclusion

Throughout the season, audiences saw murders, double-crosses, serious side-eye, and an unforgettable incident that cut through the overwhelming tension.

Yet on the final evening, the ultimate victor of the first Celebrity Traitors was revealed.

Out of nineteen participants, only five were left standing: Deceivers and faithfuls competing for the winnings.

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

Ultimately, comedian Alan Carr was crowned the winner, in a shocking result that went viral and made him tearful.

"This has been destroying me, my apologies," he exclaimed, revealing to the other players that he was actually a traitor. "I feel terrible about this."

"You did brilliantly," they comforted him. "Everything's fine."

Social media immediately exploded with the news. "Most awful traitor ever being the most effective player," wrote a viewer.

"It couldn't have been a more iconic ending," wrote another, while someone else described it as "the television highlight 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.

Alan Carr's transformation from comic relief to strategic player was one of the standout highlights of the season.

But his win still left the nation in shock, as noted by entertainment reporters.

"The idea of Alan, of all people, executing a masterclass in deceit felt about as likely as him keeping composure through his comedy routines."

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

"He might have appeared to the morning meal in a green cloak and I still wouldn't have thought he was a traitor. His humor distracted me," a player said.

"The majority didn't target him because how does one eliminate someone who is so loveable?" questioned a different contestant.

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

"I want to participate once more... I doubt it would work again!"

Thursday evening's episode was extended to 70 minutes on television. There was an unusual opening than typical episodes, as all the celebs knew who would appear at the breakfast table.

There was some very uplifting, and atypical for the show soundtrack, as the episode revisited key scenes from each of the finalists' experience in the game.

True to form, Alan Carr gave us some of the most memorable lines.

"To be honest, I started the competition a bit of an anxious mess. I've thrown close allies under the bus, I've murdered national treasures openly. Apparently I'm more deceptive and player than I thought."

Meanwhile, another contestant noted that being in the final was "significantly more pressure than competing with a national team", while someone else 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, taking over from an earlier departed fashionable contestant.

The winner appeared at the morning meal resembling a vintage television personality in a checked maroon suit, later switching into a bejewelled white suit.

However, he got out-jacketted by a fellow player's burgundy formal wear. Impressive style.

Following this was the challenge, with the final players getting on board a locomotive called - naturally - The Traitors Express.

This task involved destroying images of former contestants. Spare a thought for one participant who managed to get hit on the head THREE times by the lid of a heavy wooden box.

Before long, the moment arrived for the roundtable.

The deceivers did a pinky promise beforehand, vowing to support each other. "We've progressed significantly, I'm not going to betray him," stated one, while the other just giggled.

And one adhered to their agreement. But, having slipped under the radar for the majority of the competition, their partner still received the majority elimination votes.

The remaining traitor looked like to be experiencing significant distress to be the last traitor standing. "Now I'm on my own, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, a rudderless ship."

Social media and viewers were similarly upset.

"I did NOT want that player to be eliminated. A truly loveable traitor," said a commentator.

"You will forever be remembered in Traitors history," posted a different viewer.

But there was no time to dwell on their elimination. Soon, the game reached the final stage - this being what we were really all here for.

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

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

"This pains me to be betrayed at the final moment in that manner," remarked the ousted contestant. Subsequently, it was revealed that if they ever communicate, the betrayed player calls the other as a traitor.

Ultimately, only three contestants were still competing: the last participants.

One player, looking incredibly smug, voted to end the game. The same decision was made by a different player, and it all came down to the third, who did the same - resulting in the traitor emerged victorious.

According to commentators, the scene where the other players consoled the winner was "compelling television". "I anticipate it could be in the running for outstanding scene at television honors," they commented.

Happily, the champion quickly regained composure from his bout of tears, and could finally appreciate the moment.

"What a rollercoaster. I was awful at lying, my expressions gave me away and now I stand a winner," the winner said.

And he even made light of the memorable elimination - his close ally in an early episode - 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, plotting and sometimes unexpected moments may seem like a bizarre fantasy. But it really did all happen. It will be remembered fondly.