After weeks of tension, schemes and backstabbing, The Celebrity Traitors has reached a nail-biting finale

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

Throughout the season, audiences saw eliminations, betrayals, serious side-eye, and an unforgettable incident that pierced the overwhelming tension.

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

From nineteen participants, just a handful remained: Traitors and faithfuls facing off for the winnings.

Soon, the field narrowed to only three contenders: the remaining contestants.

In the end, funny man 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 declared, revealing to the remaining faithfuls that he was actually one of the deceivers. "I feel terrible about this."

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

Social media quickly erupted with the news. "Most awful traitor ever being the best traitor ever," wrote a viewer.

"There could not have been a more iconic ending," stated a different person, while someone else called it "the TV moment of the year."

His chosen charity, Neuroblastoma UK, gets to keep the entire winnings, with the final pot amounting to £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 left the nation surprised, as noted by entertainment reporters.

"The thought of him, among everyone, executing a masterclass in deceit felt about as likely as him keeping composure through his comedy routines."

During follow-up conversations, fellow players explained why no one had ever really suspected him.

"He might have come down to the morning meal in traitor attire and I still wouldn't have thought 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 loveable?" questioned a different contestant.

The winner stated he had "absolutely loved" his experience with the show.

"I'd like to participate once more... I doubt it would work a second time!"

Thursday evening's episode was lengthened to 70 minutes on the network. It had an unusual opening than typical episodes, as every celebrity were aware who would appear at the morning gathering.

Viewers heard some very uplifting, and very un-Traitors-esque soundtrack, as we recapped some moments from each of the finalists' experience in the game.

True to form, Alan Carr gave us unforgettable quotes.

"Let's face it, I began this game as something of a nervous wreck. I've thrown some really good friends under the bus, I've eliminated beloved figures openly. I'm clearly a better liar and player than I thought."

At the same time, another contestant noted that being in the final was "way more stressful than competing with a national team", while another said he was "completely amazed" to have made it so far.

In the beginning of the finale, several players seemed to be making a bid to become the fashion standout of the castle, replacing an earlier departed fashionable contestant.

Carr emerged at the morning meal resembling a vintage television personality in patterned burgundy attire, before changing into a bejewelled white suit.

However, he got outstyled by a fellow player's burgundy formal wear. What a look.

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

The challenge saw them destroying portraits of eliminated players. Have sympathy for a player who was hit on the head multiple times by the lid of a heavy wooden box.

Soon after, it was time for the roundtable.

The deceivers made a pact beforehand, vowing to stick together. "We've progressed significantly, I won't betray him," stated a player, while the other just giggled.

However, one did stick to their agreement. But, having slipped under the radar for most of the game, the other still got the most votes.

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

Social media and onlookers were similarly upset.

"I hoped against that player to be eliminated. A truly loveable traitor," said a commentator.

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

But there was no time to dwell on this departure. Soon, the game reached the endgame - which was what we were really all here for.

The last players stood over the fire pit. Meanwhile, the partnership broke down, precisely when it was most crucial, in an absolutely shocking development.

One contestant was painfully banished - following a surprising decision from their partner, who betrayed them.

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

Ultimately, only three contestants remained in the game: the final trio.

A contestant, appearing quite pleased, voted to end the game. The same decision was made by a different player, and everything depended on the third, who made the identical choice - which meant that the traitor was the winner.

For observers, the scene where remaining contestants comforted the winner was "beautiful TV". "I anticipate it will be a contender for memorable moment at next year's awards," they said.

Fortunately, the champion quickly regained composure from his bout of tears, and was able to enjoy his victory.

"Such an emotional journey. I was awful at lying, my expressions gave me away and now I stand the champion," the winner said.

He also made light of the memorable elimination - his best friend in an early episode - by leaning toward the presenter in the concluding moments and making contact.

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

The last few weeks of famous people scheming, scheming and the occasional unexpected moments may seem like a bizarre fantasy. Yet it actually all happen. It will be remembered fondly.