After multiple episodes of tension, schemes and backstabbing, The Celebrity Traitors concludes with a nail-biting end

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

Over the course of the show, viewers witnessed eliminations, double-crosses, serious side-eye, and a memorable moment that cut through all tension.

Yet on Thursday night, the ultimate victor of the first Celebrity Traitors emerged triumphant.

From 19 contestants, just a handful were left standing: Traitors and faithfuls facing off for the prize.

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

In the end, comedian Alan Carr emerged as the winner, in a shocking result that went viral and left him emotional.

"This has been destroying me, my apologies," he exclaimed, admitting to the other players that he was actually one of the deceivers. "I'm an awful human being."

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

Online platforms quickly erupted with this development. "The worst deceiver being the most effective player," wrote one user.

"It couldn't have been a better conclusion," stated a different person, while a third described it as "the TV moment of the year."

The organization he selected, a cancer charity, gets to keep the entire winnings, with the final pot reaching eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

Alan Carr's transformation from giggle liability to cold-hearted killer was among the most memorable aspects of the series.

However, his victory still left the nation surprised, according to entertainment reporters.

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

During follow-up conversations, fellow players summed up the reasons nobody had truly doubted him.

"He might have come down to the morning meal in a green cloak and I wouldn't have believed he was deceiving us. His humor distracted me," a player said.

"Most people didn't vote for him because how does one vote for someone who is so loveable?" asked a different contestant.

The winner stated he had "thoroughly enjoyed" his time on the program.

"I want to do it again... I don't think it would be successful again!"

The final episode was extended to over an hour on television. It had a different start than typical episodes, as all the celebs were aware who'd make it at the morning gathering.

Viewers heard some very uplifting, and atypical for the show music, as we recapped key scenes from each of the finalists' time in the castle.

As ever, the comedian gave us some of the most memorable lines.

"To be honest, I began the competition as something of an anxious mess. I've thrown some really good friends to save myself, I've murdered national treasures openly. Apparently I'm more deceptive and player than I thought."

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

Early on of the finale, several players seemed to be attempting to become the new style icon of the competition, taking over from the previously eliminated style leader.

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

But he was out-jacketted by a fellow player's maroon velvet tuxedo. What a look.

Following this was the competition, with the remaining contestants getting on board a train named - of course - The Traitors Express.

This task involved destroying portraits of eliminated players. Spare a thought for one participant who was hit in the head multiple times by the cover of a heavy wooden box.

Soon after, the moment arrived for the elimination discussion.

Two traitors did a pinky promise in advance, pledging to stick together. "We've progressed significantly, I won't throw him under a bus," stated one, while their partner simply laughed.

And one did stick to their agreement. Yet, managing to stay unnoticed for the majority of the competition, their partner still received the majority elimination votes.

The remaining traitor appeared he was in significant distress to be the last traitor standing. "Now I'm on my own, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, without direction."

Social media and onlookers were equally disappointed.

"I did NOT want that player to be eliminated. An endearing deceiver," commented an observer.

"Your legacy will remain in Traitors history," posted a different viewer.

However, there remained little opportunity to dwell on their elimination. Soon, the game reached the final stage - this being the moment everyone anticipated.

The final four gathered around the ceremonial fire. And the alliance collapsed, precisely when it was most crucial, in a truly WTF moment.

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

"It hurts to be betrayed last minute like that," said the eliminated player. Subsequently, it was revealed that when they message, the eliminated contestant refers to the other as a traitor.

Ultimately, only three contestants were still competing: the final trio.

A contestant, looking incredibly smug, voted to end the game. The same decision was made by another, and it all came down to the final participant, who made the identical choice - which meant that the traitor emerged victorious.

According to commentators, the moment where remaining contestants comforted the champion was "beautiful TV". "I anticipate it could be a contender for outstanding scene at next year's awards," they said.

Happily, the winner quickly regained composure from his emotional outburst, 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 made light of the memorable elimination - his best friend in an early episode - by reaching over the presenter in the concluding moments 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 the occasional unexpected moments may seem like one big crazy jumbled dream. But it really did all happen. And we will miss it.