After multiple episodes of tension, schemes and sabotage, Celebrity Traitors concludes with a thrilling end

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

Over the course of the show, audiences saw murders, double-crosses, intense glares, and a memorable moment that pierced all suspense.

However on Thursday night, the final winner of the first Celebrity Traitors emerged triumphant.

Out of 19 contestants, only five remained: Deceivers and faithfuls facing off for the winnings.

Before long, the field narrowed to just three: the final players.

Ultimately, comedian Alan Carr was crowned the winner, in a surprising result that broke the internet and made him tearful.

"It's been tearing me apart, my apologies," he exclaimed, revealing 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," wrote a viewer.

"It couldn't have been a more iconic ending," wrote 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 reaching eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

Alan Carr's transformation from giggle liability to cold-hearted killer was one of the standout highlights of the season.

But his win still left the nation in shock, as noted by industry observers.

"The thought of him, among everyone, pulling off a masterclass in deception felt about as likely as him keeping composure through one of his own punchlines."

On subsequent discussions, the other contestants summed up the reasons nobody had truly doubted him.

"Alan could have appeared to the morning meal in traitor attire and I still wouldn't have thought he was a traitor. His humor distracted me," one participant said.

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

Carr said he had "absolutely loved" his time on the program.

"I'd like to do it again... I don't think it would work again!"

Thursday evening's episode was lengthened to over an hour on the network. It had a different start than typical episodes, as every celebrity were aware who'd make it at the morning gathering.

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

As ever, Alan Carr gave us unforgettable quotes.

"Let's face it, I started the competition as something of a nervous wreck. I've thrown close allies under the bus, I've murdered beloved figures openly. I'm clearly a better liar and traitor than I believed."

Meanwhile, another contestant commented that being in the final was "way more stressful than competing with a national team", while someone else said he was "completely amazed" to have made it so far.

Early on in the episode, various contestants appeared to be attempting to become the new style icon of the castle, taking over from an earlier departed style leader.

Carr emerged at the morning meal resembling a 1950s US chat show host in patterned burgundy attire, later switching into a bejewelled white suit.

But he was out-jacketted by another contestant's burgundy formal wear. Impressive style.

Following this was the challenge, with the final players boarding a train named - naturally - The Deceivers' Railway.

This task involved ripping up portraits of eliminated players. Spare a thought for one participant who was hit on the head multiple times by the cover of a substantial container.

Before long, the moment arrived for the roundtable.

The deceivers did a pinky promise in advance, vowing to stick together. "We've come a long way, I'm not going to betray him," stated one, while their partner just giggled.

However, one did stick to their agreement. But, managing to stay under the radar for the majority of the competition, their partner still received the majority elimination votes.

The last deceiver looked like he was in significant distress to be the final deceiver remaining. "Now I'm on my own, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm unpredictable, without direction."

Social media and onlookers were equally disappointed.

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

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

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

The final four gathered around the ceremonial fire. And the alliance broke down, 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 turned against them.

"It hurts to be stabbed in the back at the final moment like that," said the eliminated player. Later, we learned that when they message, the eliminated contestant refers to the other by a betrayer's name.

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

A contestant, 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 - resulting in the traitor was the winner.

According to commentators, the moment where remaining contestants consoled the champion was "compelling television". "I predict it could be a contender for memorable moment 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 the champion," the winner said.

And he even joked about the memorable elimination - his best friend in an early episode - by reaching over the presenter in the final scene and making contact.

"You've got something on your face," he said, with his trademark giggle.

The last few weeks of celebrity gossiping, plotting and sometimes surprising incidents may feel like one big crazy jumbled dream. But it really did occur. And we will miss it.