Following weeks of suspense, schemes and sabotage, The Celebrity Traitors concludes with a nail-biting end

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

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

However on Thursday night, the final winner of the first celebrity edition was revealed.

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

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

In the end, comedian Alan Carr emerged as the champion, in a shocking result that went viral and made him tearful.

"This has been destroying me, I'm so sorry," he exclaimed, revealing to the other players that he'd always been a traitor. "I feel terrible about this."

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

Online platforms quickly erupted with this development. "Most awful traitor ever being the best traitor ever," commented a viewer.

"It couldn't have been a more iconic ending," wrote a different person, while someone else called it "the television highlight of the year."

The organization he selected, Neuroblastoma UK, gets to keep the entire winnings, with the total amount reaching £87,500.

Alan Carr's transformation from comic relief to strategic player 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 a masterclass in deceit felt just as probable as him keeping composure through one of his own punchlines."

During follow-up conversations, 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. I was too busy laughing," one participant said.

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

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

"I'd like to participate once more... I don't think it would be successful a second time!"

Thursday evening's installment was lengthened to 70 minutes on television. There was a different start than typical episodes, as all the celebs knew who would appear at the morning gathering.

There was particularly inspiring, and atypical for the show music, as the episode revisited some moments from each of the finalists' time in the castle.

True to form, the comedian provided unforgettable quotes.

"Let's face it, I started this game as something of an anxious mess. I've thrown some really good friends under the bus, I've eliminated beloved figures in plain sight. Apparently I'm more deceptive and traitor than I thought."

Meanwhile, a different player commented that reaching the conclusion was "significantly more pressure than playing for England", while another said he was "completely amazed" to have lasted this long.

In the beginning in the episode, several players appeared to be attempting to become the new style icon of the competition, replacing an earlier departed style leader.

The winner appeared at breakfast resembling a vintage television personality in a checked maroon suit, before changing into an embellished light-colored outfit.

But he was outstyled by a fellow player's burgundy formal wear. What a look.

Following this was the challenge, with the final players boarding a train named - of course - The Traitors Express.

This task involved ripping up portraits of eliminated players. Have sympathy for one participant who managed to get hit in the head multiple times by the cover of a heavy wooden box.

Before long, the moment arrived for the elimination discussion.

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

And one adhered to their agreement. Yet, having slipped unnoticed for the majority of the competition, the other still received the majority elimination votes.

The last deceiver appeared to be experiencing a world of pain to be the final deceiver remaining. "Now I'm on my own, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, without direction."

Social media and onlookers were similarly upset.

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

"You will forever be remembered in the show's legacy," posted a different viewer.

But there was little opportunity to focus on this departure. Before long, 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 collapsed, precisely when it mattered the most, in an absolutely shocking development.

One contestant was eliminated in dramatic fashion - after a shock vote from their ally, who betrayed them.

"This pains me to be stabbed in the back last minute like that," said the ousted contestant. Later, we learned that if they ever communicate, the eliminated contestant refers to their former ally as a traitor.

Finally, just three players were still competing: the final trio.

One player, appearing quite pleased, chose to conclude the game. So did another, and it all came down to the third, who made the identical choice - resulting in the deceiver was the winner.

According to commentators, the moment where the other players comforted the winner was "beautiful TV". "I predict it could be a contender for outstanding scene at television honors," they commented.

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

"Such an emotional journey. I thought I was terrible at deception, I had no poker face and here I am a winner," he said.

And he even joked about the memorable elimination - his close ally in an early episode - by leaning toward the presenter in the final scene and making contact.

"There's something on your face," he said, with his trademark giggle.

The recent episodes of celebrity gossiping, plotting and sometimes unexpected moments may seem like one big crazy jumbled dream. Yet it actually occur. It will be remembered fondly.